Founded in 2016, the Law & Public Policy Academy is a
signature college and career pathway at Paul Laurence Dunbar
High School.

Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of socially aware leaders,
legal thinkers, and public servants who embody our three pillars:
​Educated. Validated. Empowered.

We believe every student should:
  • Understand the systems that govern our lives
  • Use their voice to advocate for justice
  • Connect learning to real-world impact
​
We are guided by the principles of Sankofa, civic action,
cultural consciousness, and youth-led change. Our students
don’t wait to lead tomorrow—they lead now.

Student Profile:

I AM A DUNBAR LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY ACADEMY STUDENT!
I am a purposeful, self-directed learner who uses reliable information to understand the world and counteract inequities. I ground myself in our rich African cultural traditions, learning from the past to advocate for a more just and equitable society. I stay informed about laws, policies, and global issues and take action to create change in my school, community, and beyond.
I read critically, write clearly, and speak with confidence, knowing my identity and voice have power. I use my civic skills to challenge injustice and speak up for those who are often unheard. I build bridges across cultures and challenge stereotypes, microaggressions, and systemic barriers. I lead with purpose, set goals, and show tenacity in the face of challenges, knowing I have the power to impact my community and the world.
​
Our Core Beliefs
​
Educated * Validated * Empowered

MEET THE TEAM

Director, teachers, partners, student leaders

Dr. Shelina Warren

Director

Jay Barber

Street Law Teacher​
Emory Calhoun - Core Team Member
Yarne Glascoe - Core Team Member
Adrienne Glasgow - Core Team Member
​Atinuke Doherty - Core Team Member
Sherema Copes - Core Team Member
Camille Thompson, J.D. - Advisory Committee Member
Charisma Howell, J.D. - Advisory Committee Member
Gordon Fletcher, J.D. - Advisory Committee Member
​Helen Short - Academy President, Student Lawyer Club President
Zimiri Lee - Student Lawyer Club Vice-President

Timeline of Academy Milestones

 
2013–2016
-Academy exists “on paper” until Aug 2016, when Dr. Shelina Warren becomes the first director, launching classes and partnerships with Georgetown Law and American University.

2016–2017
-First cohort of students; first field trips, including the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
-Students meet Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and present first Action Civics Fair project on police brutality/Know Your Rights with MPD Roundtable and grant from Principal Zaki. Know Your Rights shirts were born.
-First Mikva Challenge Project Soapbox win and law class audit at American University.

2017–2018
-First academy elections – Richard Bangura elected president.
-Acted as clients for Georgetown Law School's Juvenile Justice Clinic.
-Screened the movie, Marshall.
-Participated in Stand's Lobby Weekend for Mass Atrocities Conference & Training Day & met with the Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton's office. 
-First Ethics Bowl, Black Lives Matter at School Week, and mock trial.
-Partnership with Paul Weiss Law Firm begins.
-Launch of voter registration drive and participation in National Student Gun Violence Summit.
​-Action Civics Fair Project on study skills & participated in We the People competition
-was featured on Get Up DC for our advocacy work

2018–2019
-Students meet Senator Kamala Harris and Sybrina Fulton at CBC Foundation.
-First citywide Project Soapbox finalist. Visited National Portrait Gallery.
-Screened The Hate U Give & met the character, Star.
-students commenced Lego set completions for academy class decor.
-Student featured on 2019 Viewing Party for Constitution Day with Discovery Education & iCivics
-Students aided with political canvassing in Manassas, VA for Get Out the Vote.
-Saluted our Dunbar veterans.
-Students won $4,000 grant through AdCap Adventure Capital Find Your Balance Challenge
-Peer Court pilot program begins; featured on Soledad O’Brien’s Matter of Fact.
-Presentation of Action Civics Fair Project - Disconnected Students & Dunbar's Legacy, which helped provide ideas for our Black Studies Academy & Dunbar History-infused courses.
-Students win national trip to Facebook HQ for youth conference.
-First LPP class graduates.

2020–2021
-began selling our Know Your Rights hoodies as fundraiser
-Virtual learning during COVID; students protest after the murder of George Floyd.
-Passing of first academy president, Richard Bangura; mural dedicated in his honor.
-Launch of Wellness Week and Penn State Social Justice Clinic partnership.
​-received a generous donation of 250 laptops, Chipotle gift cards, and backpacks for the academy from a beloved sponsor

2021–2022
-First academy night & movie night with advocacy activities.
-Students win Georgetown Law mock trial case. Visited Williams & Connolly law firm.
-Visits from Gordon Fletcher, Kondwani Fidel and Word is Bond mentoring program.
-Participation in gun violence rally and screenings of Till and met actor who played Emmett.


2022–2023
-Wins in Adventure Capital project funding.
-First U.S. Capitol tour and Democracy Lab visit.
-Human Trafficking Awareness Event.
-Mock trial team competes at Georgetown Law finals.
-Law Day celebration with D.C. Attorney General.
-DC Bar visit & workshop.
-first social justice trip to NYC & Philadelphia.

2023–2024
-Recognition at Right Direction Awards.
-Workshops with Howard Law, D.C. Sentencing Commission, and urban planning leaders.
-Student advances to National Moot Court finals. 
-Academy president tours White House.
-Documentary film projects debut; win grand prize trip to Domino’s HQ for Afrofuturism project.
-Partnership with ATF for workshop series ending in mock trial.
-Visits from Department of Justice, Howard University's NAACP chapter, ATF Headquarters, Office of the Student Advocate, & iCivics film crew recording our academy classes.
-First Richard Bangura Scholarship awarded.
​-Attended the 2024 Attorneys of Color Conference by Pillsbury law firm in DC.
-Started the Student Lawyer Club & partnered with Howard University's mock trial and debate teams.
-Parade to the Polls early voting event & hosted a election watch party for presidential debates. We were interviewed for Howard University's student newspaper.
-Another student advances to National Moot Court competition.

2025
-Record four Project Soapbox mainstage winners.
-Trips to Constitution Center and Eastern State Penitentiary. 
​-Hosted professional dress day
-Partnership with Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
-Multiple visits to all three branches of government;
-jury simulation at U.S. District Courthouse.
-Visit to the GoGo Museum.
-Participation in Georgetown Law School for a Day and forensic workshop at Law Enforcement Museum.
-First Justice in Action Week featuring networking luncheon, court visits, movie screening, and law career fair.
-Launch of student podcast Justice, Not Just Is. 
-Two NYC social justice trips via Amtrak.