Recently, Attorney Xavier had the privilege of speaking with high school students participating in Princes to Kings (P2K), a youth mentorship program in Providence, Rhode Island. P2K helps young people pursue their educational and career goals while providing mentorship and opportunities to learn about civil rights, non-violence, and financial literacy.
Their conversation focused on the Constitution and Bill of Rights, with particular attention to the Fourth Amendment, its protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, the importance of its doctrine that no warrants may be issued without probable cause, and its critical role against government overreach.
Attorney Xavier also shared a case from his own civil-rights practice in which he represented an individual who was falsely accused by police of committing a crime he did not commit, resulting in him spending 31 days in prison.
Constitutional rights are not simply concepts found in a history book. They affect real people and real lives. Behind every constitutional protection is a person whose freedom, dignity, and future matter.
But the conversation was about more than the Constitution. It was also about perseverance. Attorney Xavier told the students about his own journey in becoming a lawyer. Becoming an attorney was Attorney Xavier’s dream, but he did not pass the bar examination on his first attempt. He could have allowed that setback to define him. Instead, he kept going, tried again, and ultimately passed the bar and achieved his goal.
A setback does not have to become your story.
There may be times when you fail, face disappointment, or encounter people who doubt you. Keep going. Keep learning. Keep pursuing your goals.
Attorney Xavier encouraged the students to understand that their experiences matter, their voices matter, and they belong. They belong in the classroom, in college, in their chosen professions, and in conversations about the future of their communities. Their perspectives are valuable, and they should never be afraid to speak up when something is wrong.
Special thanks to Princes to Kings for the opportunity to spend time with these students. We hope they left the conversation knowing not only a little more about the Constitution, but also something about themselves:
Your story matters. Your voice matters. You belong. And never give up on your dreams simply because the road becomes difficult.
