The Howard University community is mourning the loss of Kiah Duggins, a vibrant and accomplished individual who tragically perished in the recent midair collision near Reagan National Airport. Duggins, 30, was poised to embark on her role as a law professor at Howard this fall.
Remembered for her infectious smile and passion for life, Duggins was a dedicated civil rights attorney committed to challenging unjust practices within the legal system. Prior to joining Howard, she served as a lawyer with the Civil Rights Corps, working tirelessly to address police misconduct and advocate for equitable bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington D.C.
Her impressive legal career included work with the ACLU of Northern California and Neufeld, Scheck & Brustin LLP, focusing on combating police misconduct and other detrimental impacts of the criminal justice system. Duggins also dedicated time to studying the prison industrial complex abolition movement as a Law For Black Lives fellow.
Duggins’ academic achievements included a law degree from Harvard Law School, where she led the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau as president. She also held a bachelor's degree from Wichita State University and completed a Fulbright grant in Taiwan.
Beyond her legal pursuits, Duggins was a former Miss Butler County and a Miss Kansas pageant finalist. Those who knew her from the pageant world recalled her bright future and remarkable personality.
Those who knew her personally described her as a radiant individual, both inside and out, with an adventurous spirit and a knack for connecting with others. Her loss is a devastating blow to her family, friends, the Howard University community, and all those who admired her dedication to justice and equality.
Duggins was one of 67 individuals who tragically lost their lives in the accident. Investigations into the cause of the collision are currently underway.
