Jessikah Inaba: Breaking Barriers as the UK’s First Black Blind Barrister
On October 12, 2022, Jessikah Inaba achieved a historic milestone, becoming the UK’s first Black blind barrister. Her journey was not an easy one, marked by years of dedication and resilience as she navigated the educational and professional challenges posed by her visual impairment.
Jessikah’s story begins in her early academic years, where she encountered limited accessibility resources. Despite these obstacles, she persevered. In 2017, she enrolled at the University of Law, determined to pursue her ambition of becoming a lawyer. The road ahead was tough, requiring significant adaptations in her learning environment to accommodate her visual impairment. For Jessikah, each exam and each lecture presented a unique challenge, but she persisted, adapting along the way.
In July 2021, after years of hard work and unyielding commitment, Jessikah completed her law degree, achieving an impressive record in her studies. The next step was passing the bar, a rigorous process for any aspiring lawyer, made even more challenging for someone navigating the legal field without sight.
On October 12, 2022, Jessikah was officially called to the bar. The date marked a groundbreaking achievement, not only for Jessikah herself but also as a milestone in the UK legal field. By this time, Jessikah had become a symbol of hope and inspiration, especially for young Black individuals and those with disabilities who aspire to enter professional fields often lacking in representation.
Reflecting on her journey, Jessikah shared, “Being blind isn’t my defining feature. I’m here to make a difference, not just for myself, but for others who are told they can’t because of their differences.”
Jessikah Inaba’s achievement remains a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when ambition and resilience come together. Her story serves as a beacon for anyone facing similar challenges and inspires us all to champion greater inclusivity and accessibility in every field.
For more insights into her inspiring journey, follow Jessikah on Instagram @its.jessikah, where she continues to share her experiences and advocate for change.
