Date of Birth: June 22, 1967
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Biography
James Forman, Jr. is an influential American lawyer, professor, and author, best known for his contributions to discussions on criminal justice reform and race relations in the United States. Born into a family deeply rooted in civil rights activism—his father, James Forman, was a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement—Forman Jr. has continued the legacy through his work in law and education. Forman graduated from Brown University and later earned his J.D. from Yale Law School. He began his career as a law clerk for Judge William Norris of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and then for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at the U.S. Supreme Court. He later served as a public defender in Washington, D.C., where he witnessed firsthand the impacts of the criminal justice system on African American communities. In 2007, Forman co-founded the Maya Angelou Public Charter School, an alternative school for youth who have had difficulties in traditional educational settings. His work in education and law has earned him numerous accolades, including a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. Forman is a professor at Yale Law School, where he teaches courses on criminal law and race. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed book “Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America,” which examines the complexities of African American support for punitive crime policies.
5 Interesting Facts about James Forman, Jr.
1. James Forman Jr. is the son of the prominent civil rights leader James Forman.
2. He received a MacArthur “Genius” Grant in 2017 for his work in criminal justice reform.
3. Forman co-founded the Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.
4. His book “Locking Up Our Own” won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction.
5. He has served as a law clerk for both Judge William Norris and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Forman, Jr.
1. “The criminal justice system reflects the social injustices of our society.”
2. “We have to rethink our approach to punishment and rehabilitation.”
3. “Education is a powerful tool for change, especially for those who have been marginalized.”
4. “Race and crime policies are deeply intertwined in the United States.”
5. “True reform comes from understanding the complexities of the issues we face.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
$5 million
Children
James Forman Jr. has two children, both of whom are involved in educational initiatives and social justice causes.
Relevant Links
1. [James Forman Jr. at Yale Law School](https://law.yale.edu/james-forman-jr
3. [MacArthur Foundation Profile](https://www.macfound.org/fellows/973/
4. [Maya Angelou Public Charter School](https://www.seeforever.org/
