ACHIEVEMENT
From North Little Rock to Leadership
Michael D. Hammonds is the Second Black Student Bar Association President in the University of Arkansas School of Law’s 100-year History
M ichael D. Ham- a dynamic leader born and raised in North Little Rock, where he grew up amidst the lively camaraderie of a family made up of five sisters and one brother. A proud graduate of North Little Rock High School, Michael pursued higher education at Harding Uni- versity in Searcy, Arkansas. His college journey was rich monds (Fayetteville (AR) AL 2024) is with involvement; he was an active member of the Black Student Association,
a participant in “The Knights” Social Club, and played a pivotal role on the Spiritual Life Committee within Harding’s Student Government. Growing up in the inner city illuminated the sys- temic challenges present in his community. Brother Hammonds was determined to break the cycle of gener- ational curses and elevate the standards for his family. His interest in law is rooted in this desire to create opportunities for change, showcasing his belief that
the law is more than a career—it’s a vehicle for meaningful transformation. He often reflects on the empowering quote, “The man who succeeds is the man who failed and tried one more time,” a reminder that resilience leads to growth. Now a student at the Uni- versity of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Ham- monds was recently elected Student Bar Association (SBA) President. Brother Hammonds’ path to becoming the SBA
President was driven by his deep-seated values of service and resilience— principles instilled in him by his family. “I didn’t view the role just as an opportunity to advocate for my peers but as a chance to uplift others and foster a sense of community,” he explains. The most gratifying aspect of his presidency? The ability to witness the true power of teamwork. From celebrating milestones to facing challenges head-on, Michael recognizes that the collective energy of the SBA
16 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2024
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