WASHINGTON – Pennsylvania Congresswoman and Howard alumna Summer Lee (J.D., ’15), will return to the Howard University School of Law to speak at this year’s pinning ceremony. The ceremony will be held on August 11 at 6 p.m. 

The pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of newly incoming freshman into the Howard University community. The new students will be presented with official Howard University pins by members of the Howard University community.  

“The Pinning Ceremony is the capstone of our orientation week. We are thrilled to welcome Rep. Lee back to [her] alma mater to address the incoming class,” said Lisa A. Crooms-Robinson, interim dean of Howard University School of Law. “We hope the story of her journey from law student to member of Congress will inspire those who sit in the same seats she occupied 11 years ago.” 

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to return to my alma mater, where I received my legal training, to participate in the pinning ceremony. I look forward to speaking with the students about taking full advantage of the wealth of knowledge that our beloved Howard University has to offer," said Lee. 

Lee is a dedicated organizer, attorney, and progressive state legislator. She received her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and her law degree from Howard University School of Law, where she focused on civil rights and social justice advocacy. She worked as a labor organizer, joining the Fight for $15 to increase the minimum wage, and led voter mobilization efforts for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.  

In 2018 Lee ran for State House – taking on a 20-year incumbent, doubling voter turnout, and winning with over 67% of the vote. She also made history by becoming the first Black woman from western Pennsylvania ever elected to the legislature. During her time in office, Lee has been a voice for working families, and a champion for sustainable jobs, environmental justice, police accountability, reproductive rights, immigration rights, and gender and racial equity. She is a tireless advocate for workers’ rights, unions, the right to organize, and fights for a livable wage.  

In 2022, Lee was elected to the US House of Representatives for Pennsylvania’s 12th District, becoming the first Black woman ever elected to Congress from western Pennsylvania.  

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