Quenessa Long couldn’t be prouder to come from Tacoma. An alum of our Act Six program and recent Howard University School of Law graduate, Quenessa is now an attorney living in Washington D.C. But despite the distance, Quenessa still calls herself a Pierce County native and sees her community as firmly rooted in the 253.
Quenessa’s parents grew up in the Hilltop in the eighties and nineties. There were a lot of narratives about the Hilltop being a dangerous place you wouldn’t want to live, she said. But Quenessa doesn’t see it that way.
“You know, Tacoma is called the City of Destiny, and it really is. There’s something about the grittiness of Tacoma. There’s this rough edge to it, but it helps you navigate life in a particular way. I love the 253.”
Quenessa was born in Tacoma. When she was three months old, her father was incarcerated and ended up spending 19 years in prison. So Quenessa and her siblings were raised by their single mother. The family faced many financial struggles, but their mother did everything possible to support her children in reaching their dreams.
“Because of the cities I grew up in—Lakewood, Tacoma, Parkland—people kind of threw us away as a ‘negative’ part of Washington. But we knew who we were, where we came from, and the strength in our community. We looked out for each other, and I love that part of Tacoma … Those of us who grew up here know what it’s like to be overcomers, to focus on the light despite all the negativity people have placed on us.”
Quenessa shadowing attorneys at Pierce County Superior Court pre-law school. (Photo courtesy of Quenessa Long)
Quenessa enjoyed school and did well. She was interested in going to college, but as a first-generation student wasn’t sure what she needed to do to get there. That was when a recruiter for the Act Six leadership and scholarship program visited Quenessa’s high school. “I was like, you know, why not? I’ll just apply,” she said.
After an intensive application and interview process, Quenessa was selected to receive an Act Six scholarship to Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) as part of Cadre 7. This included cohort-based learning and wraparound support throughout her undergraduate experience.
“You know, I lived in shelters and motels and section eight as I was growing up. So, for me to even be considered for college was huge. Getting that envelope in the mail was the greatest thing that ever happened to me.”
At PLU, Quenessa double majored, earning her bachelor’s degree in anthropology and political science. She had dreamed of being a lawyer since she was little. But after graduating, she decided to take a break for a couple of years to discover if this was still true. “I told myself I’ll work in the legal field before I go to law school,” she said.
We knew who we were, where we came from, and the strength in our community.
Quenessa worked as a YWCA legal advocate for survivors of domestic violence for two years. She said it was a great job where she worked with caseloads of 30 to 50 clients, helping them complete paperwork for critical supports like child support, divorces, and protection orders.
After this work experience, Quenessa was certain she wanted to become a lawyer. “I really liked the job, but I always got frustrated because we could never go to court. That was when I knew I really did want to take that next step to be able to represent clients,” she said.
Quenessa applied to six law schools and got into five. She chose to attend Howard University School of Law in Washington D.C.
“I just thought about how I could have the most unique experience going to law school. And I wanted to have an experience where I was taught the law, but rooted in my values around community, Black empowerment, and centering advocacy. That was Howard.”
Quenessa with family and friends at Howard University School of Law Graduation, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Quenessa Long)
Howard University is a HBCU (Historically Black College and University). Quenessa estimates 85 percent of her peers at law school were Black students, which was completely different from PLU, a historically very white college.
“It was such a different experience. I felt really seen, and D.C. is a place rooted in history, which they incorporated into my legal studies. So, I really loved it.”
Quenessa earned her J.D. just last year. She has been working in insurance law but is looking to transition into another type of practice in the near future. She also hopes to one day end up back in Tacoma.
Both Quenessa’s father and mother, as well as extended family on both sides, still live in the City of Destiny. Quenessa’s mother, a force to be reckoned with, has become a community organizer who works in the Hilltop, and with Just & Healthy Food System.
When it comes to this year’s incoming Act Six scholars who are stepping onto campus for the first time, Quenessa said she feels like a proud Auntie.
“The types of things that we come from can be very harmful and create layered trauma. A lot of times it’s not fair, certain hands that have been dealt to us or systemic issues that we have to face. So, choosing to keep going, to pursue our dreams, to be proud of ourselves, and to know we can accomplish anything—I congratulate that. If you want it, it’s yours.”
Written by Sharon Ho Chang
Featured image: Quenessa Long’s Howard University School of Law headshot. (Photo courtesy of Quenessa Long)
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