Emanuel McMiller, an Urban Youth Impact alumnus, is fulfilling his God-given purpose, graduating from Notre Dame Law School. Prior to attending Notre Dame Law School, Emanuel graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in Political Science. He aspires to ensure justice in areas that express his many passions: civil and human rights; social action and economic empowerment; childhood education; poverty alleviation; politics; and environmental conservation. Emanuel shares his heart and thanks those who have played a pivotal role in his life thus far.
“Wow! It is truly an honor to be a Notre Dame lawyer. Words cannot fully convey how grateful I am for the support of my family, friends, mentors, classmates, and most importantly GOD, who have supported and encouraged me throughout this journey. I wish my mom was here with me to celebrate this moment, but I know she is looking on proudly from above. Next step is the Indiana Bar Exam in July, and then on to Faegre Baker Daniels in Indianapolis. I look forward to truly being a different kind of lawyer, serving my clients and society, and fulfilling my God-given purpose. Proverbs 31:8-9.”
At the age of six, Emanuel was adopted by his loving grandmother, who instilled his strong sense of justice and equality for all. He and his grandmother moved from Indiana to the Tamarind Avenue corridor in 2003. Emanuel would frequently hear the sound of gunshots outside his window yet he believed the Lord had something greater in store.
Emanuel’s grandmother encouraged him to apply for Urban Youth Impact’s summer work program, which led him to his first job at a local church and played a valuable role in his success. Come the fall, Emanuel began attending Urban Youth Impact’s after-school as well as outreach programs on a regular basis.
With a safe place to do homework and enjoy playing basketball and football, the 14-year-old attributed much of his academic success to his time spent at Urban Youth Impact. More importantly, Emanuel adopted Urban Youth Impact’s mission of loving, equipping and empowering other inner-city youth like him to fulfill their God-given purpose.
As Emanuel entered high school, he got actively involved with the Pre-Law Program at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School where he took initial steps toward becoming a lawyer. Urban Youth Impact connected Emanuel with a local attorney and was the first of more than eight other legal and congressional internships, which would continue through college.
Evidence of Emanuel’s positive impact on the local community at large came from one of his longtime employers, Craig Goldenfarb, owner of the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. in West Palm Beach. He had worked for the practice for a number of years and in honor of his dedication, Craig Goldenfarb announced the establishment of the Emanuel McMiller Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded every spring for up to five college-bound high school seniors who are or were graduates of Urban Youth Impact.
Urban Youth Impact is extremely proud of Emanuel and his continued dedication to chasing his dreams and ensuring equality for all. He has persistently pursued after the Lord, never allowing his circumstances to define him. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, we are excited to be a witness of the impact he will make in the lives of others.
