Alvin Bragg is an American lawyer, politician, and the first African-American to be elected as the New York County District Attorney.
Alvin has set the records to become the first attorney to secure the conviction of a former United States President, Donald Trump.
This new achievement of Alvin Braggs further sets him high on the global map in his professional field and we will be looking at some of his milestones from start till date.
Early Life and Education
Alvin Bragg was born on the 21st of October, 1973 in New York City.
Bragg grew up in Harlem’s historic Striver’s Row, and his upbringing in Harlem was marked by personal experiences with the criminal justice system, including three gunpoint stops by the New York Police Department, NYPD, which deeply affected him.
Education
Bragg attended the prestigious Trinity School before pursuing higher education at Harvard College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Government in 1995. His academic journey continued at Harvard Law School, earning a Juris Doctor in 1999.
During his time at Harvard Law, he was an editor of the Harvard Civil Rights–Civil Liberties Law Review.
His early experiences and education played a significant role in shaping his career and his commitment to social justice and legal reform. Bragg’s journey from the streets of Harlem to the halls of Harvard and eventually to the office of the District Attorney is a testament to his dedication and resilience.
Early Career and Achievements
Bragg started his career as a federal clerk, and has however rose through the rank to get to where he his today. Below are some of his rise through the ranks;
Federal Clerkship and White Collar Practice
– He clerked for federal district judge Robert P. Patterson Jr. before joining the law firm Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello. His work there focused on white-collar fraud and civil rights issues.
– In 2003, he joined the office of the Attorney General of New York under Eliot Spitzer.
Assistant United States Attorney
– In 2009, Bragg became an assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York.
– His tenure included prosecuting corrupt politicians, securing convictions against money launderers, and addressing civil rights issues.
Chief Deputy Attorney General of New York
– In 2017, Eric Schneiderman appointed Bragg as the Chief Deputy Attorney General of New York.
– Bragg oversaw significant cases, including lawsuits against the Donald J. Trump Foundation and Harvey Weinstein.
– He left this position in December 2018 and became a professor at the New York Law School, co-directing the Racial Justice Project.
Latest Achievements
As the 37th District Attorney of Manhattan, Alvin Bragg has continued to make a difference:
– Historic First: Bragg is the first African American elected to the office of Manhattan District Attorney.
– Prosecuting Serious Crimes: He restructured the Manhattan DA’s Office to focus on prosecuting serious violent crimes, addressing underlying causes of criminal behavior, and correcting past injustices.
– Police Misconduct Oversight: Bragg oversees a unit dedicated to rooting out police misconduct.
– Special Victims Division: He created a new division to handle sensitive cases related to intimate partner violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, child abuse, and elder abuse.
– Hate Crimes Unit Expansion: The Hate Crimes Unit has expanded to address complex cases and build community trust.
– Pathways to Public Safety: Bragg emphasizes evidence-based programming to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety.
Alvin Bragg’s journey from Harlem to the forefront of legal leadership exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a commitment to justice. His impact extends beyond the courtroom, making our communities safer and our criminal justice system fairer.
Wife and Family
Alvin came from a family that really gave their all to see him become who he is, and also leaving him to inherit great legacies.
Alvin Bragg’s Father and Mother
Alvin Bragg is the only son of his now-deceased parents, Alvin Bragg Sr. and Sadie Bragg.
Alvin Bragg’s Mum
Sadie Bragg, his mother, was an exceptional educator. She served as the vice president for academic affairs at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to teaching mathematics and expanding educational opportunities, especially for students of color and women.
While doing this, she held various positions at BMCC, including Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Curriculum Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. Sadie Bragg retired in 2014 after leaving a lasting impact on education.
Alvin Bragg’s Father
Alvin Bragg Sr., his father, worked as a retired assistant superintendent for welfare in the New York City Human Resources Administration. He also directed the Manhattan chapter of the New York Urban League. Together with Sadie, they raised their son, Alvin Leonard Bragg Jr., who would go on to become the Manhattan District Attorney.
Wife
Alvin Bragg is married to Jamila Marie Ponton Bragg.
The couple, who met during their time at Harvard University tied the knot in 2003.
Bragg was at the time pursuing his law degree, while Jamila was working toward a master’s degree in education.
Jamila Ponton Bragg has an impressive background herself. She graduated from Duke University and later became the program director at Girls Inc., a non-profit youth group in New York.
She is also the founder of JamRock Productions, LLC, a theatre production company focused on works about women. In 2022, she was named the winner of the 2022 Prince Fellowship.
Children
Alvin Bragg and Jamila Ponton Bragg are blessed with two children. However, their names and genders remain private, as they have stayed out of the public eye.
Alvin Bragg’s family has played a significant role in shaping his values, commitment to justice, and dedication to public service. Their support and influence continue to drive his impactful career as the Manhattan District Attorney.
