KAREN FREEMAN-WILSON
Attorney at Law, National Association of Drug Court Program
Degrees: A.B. Harvard ‘82; J.D. Harvard‘85.
Harvard–related activities: Girls Basketball (1978-79); Kuumba Singers (1979-82); Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Charter Member).
Achievements and Honors: Ebony Magazine, Leaders of the Future (1989); Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, National Award for Achievement in Civil Rights; Stanley Goldstein Drug Court Hall of Fame Inductee, Sagamore of the Wabash from Indiana Governors Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon.
Major Charitable or Other Activities: Links Incorporated; American Bar Association; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Officer); Israel C.M.E. Church (Officer); Legal Services of Northwest Indiana; Indiana State Bar Association (State Officer); Gary Chamber of Commerce; and Second Chance Foundation (Founding Member and Officer- to Combat Substance Abuse).
Greatest Personal Rewards and/or Reflections on Harvard: During my tenure at Harvard, I was not always sure how the institution would impact me; in fact, I was not even sure that I would remain there long enough to get a degree. As a new student from Gary, Indiana in 1978, it seemed as if I had traveled to a foreign country. When I left in 1985, I had strengthened my resolve to serve. My father was a steelworker in Gary, Indiana; my mother coordinated services at a local community center. Together they taught me that “to whom much is given, much shall be required.” I learned this through their exemplary lives and exposure to VISTA volunteers, NAACP leaders, church members, public servants and other community members who “practiced what they preached.” Harvard contributed a sense of responsibility for others and the imperative to lead with integrity through my learning experiences in and out of the classroom. Because of this collective inspiration, I quickly discarded the notion of life at a law firm despite the financial rewards. Because of this experience, I was moved to be a pioneer in the drug court movement by establishing the first drug treatment court in Indiana during my term as Gary City Judge and leading the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as Chief Executive Officer for five years. I have also been inspired to serve as Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Indiana Attorney General and to offer my service through my candidacy for Mayor of the city of Gary. My husband, Carmen, and I have tried to instill this same sense of responsibility in our daughter, Jordan, and other young people that we encounter. Each of us should be compelled to do the same with young people in our sphere of influence. If we answer this call, we can positively impact the direction of this country for years to come. I am humbled to once again offer my service as Class Marshal.