About Nareissa Smith

Nareissa Smith is a summa cum laude graduate of Spelman College and a magna cum laude of Howard University School of Law. After clerking for two judges, Nareissa became a law professor. Nareissa taught Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Critical Race Theory, and Women & the Law. As a result, Nareissa is well aware of the historical and legal underpinnings of current issues such as affirmative action, criminal justice reform, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), reproductive rights, and voting rights. 

Nareissa has studied history - particularly African American history - since childhood. She officially studied history at Spelman. And because history and the law have a strong relationship, Nareissa's study of history continued along with her legal studies and career. Nareissa has also written about various history topics in her career as a journalist. Nareissa is fascinated by all eras of American history and is shocked by how much she has learned and how much has yet to learn. 

When she's not studying or writing about history, Nareissa enjoys pop culture and rooting for all Detroit sports teams.