On January 29, 2025, just before 9 p.m., tragedy struck as a passenger jet departing from Wichita, Kansas collided mid-air with a Black Hawk helicopter near the Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C. There were no survivors among the 67 people involved. Among those lost was Kiah Duggins, a passionate civil rights attorney, educator, and advocate for marginalized communities.
Kiah was on her way back to D.C. after a visit to Kansas to spend time with her mother, who had recently undergone surgery. The plane crash that took her life tragically cut short the work and impact of a young woman who had already made waves in the fight for justice, education, and equality. Though her life was taken too soon, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her work and dedication to creating a fairer world.
Kiah Duggins at the White House
From Kansas to Harvard
Kiah Duggins’ life was shaped by a commitment to excellence in education. Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, she graduated from the International Baccalaureate program at Wichita East High School, an accomplishment that set her apart and provided a springboard for what would be a long career of service. At Wichita State University, she earned degrees in international business, economics, and Spanish and began to nurture her passion for public service. It was here that Kiah’s advocacy blossomed, including serving as a White House intern for First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let Girls Learn" initiative, a program that focused on ensuring girls around the world have access to quality education.
But for Kiah, this was just the beginning. Driven by a strong desire to create change and learn from the best, she went on to Harvard Law School, one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. It was at Harvard that Kiah truly found her voice as a lawyer and advocate. While there, she sharpened her skills and deepened her commitment to civil rights law. As a student at Harvard, she was already well-known for her brilliance, compassion, and the way she bridged the gap between legal theory and real-world impact.
Kiah’s work during this time laid the groundwork for the path she would follow for the rest of her career. She became known not only for her legal skills but also for her ability to connect with and inspire others.
“She gave her heart to every cause she cared about.”
Building a Career in Civil Rights
Kiah’s early career as a civil rights attorney focused on fighting systemic injustice and advocating for marginalized communities. After earning her law degree, she worked as an attorney for the Civil Rights Corps, litigating on behalf of movements challenging unconstitutional policing and money bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C. She was a fierce advocate for voting rights, social justice, and fighting against racial and economic inequality.
Her work as a civil rights attorney was wide-ranging and impactful, but her passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals was always at the forefront of everything she did. Her commitment to these causes went beyond her professional duties. Kiah lived her work every day, seeing each case and each cause as part of a broader mission to right the wrongs she saw around her.
A Heart for Service
In addition to her work as a civil rights attorney, Kiah was deeply committed to education. She was preparing to bring her dedication to justice into the classroom as a professor at Howard University, where she had recently been hired as a professor. As part of the Howard University community, Kiah’s students would have benefited not only from her knowledge and real-life experience but also from her compassion and genuine interest in the purpose behind the work.
What set Kiah apart from many was her dedication to service. Her work wasn’t limited to just the legal realm. Throughout her life, Kiah showed up for those who needed her most. Whether it was giving her time to underserved communities, working with other advocates to push for policy changes, or simply being a consistent voice for those without one, Kiah’s service was vast and deeply felt.
Kiah Duggins being crowned Miss Butler County
Kind, Compassionate Kiah
Kiah Duggins left us far too soon, but she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide generations of advocates, educators, and leaders. In the wake of her untimely passing, friends, family, and colleagues have come together to share their memories of a woman whose kindness, intellect, and drive knew no bounds.
As one colleague said, “Kiah was all light.” It’s a sentiment that many who knew her can echo. She was light in the way she worked, in the way she taught, and in the way she made others feel. Kiah’s passion for justice was contagious, and she brought a sense of optimism and hope wherever she went.
Those who worked with Kiah often spoke about her commitment to others—not just in the courtroom but in life. “She gave her heart to every cause she cared about,” one of her colleagues said. “She inspired us to be our best selves and to give our best to the world.”
Kiah’s legacy is one of action, service, and compassion. She worked tirelessly for a more just and equitable society and instilled that same sense of commitment in those around her. Her work as a civil rights attorney and educator will continue to impact the generations she touched, both directly and indirectly.
Her tragic loss is a reminder of the fragility of life, but it also serves as a call to action for those who remain to carry on the work she so deeply believed in. Kiah Duggins may no longer be with us, but her spirit, her values, and her mission will live on in all who continue to fight for justice and equality.
How We Can Honor Her Legacy
While Kiah is no longer physically with us, we can continue to honor her legacy by carrying forward her work. If you feel inspired by Kiah’s example, consider getting involved in your local community, supporting initiatives for racial justice, or simply standing up for what is right, just as Kiah did throughout her life.
At HBCU Leggings, we celebrate the legacies of leaders like Kiah Duggins—people who fought for justice and equality. Kiah's life may have been tragically cut short, but the impact she had on those around her will last for generations. You can honor her memory by standing with communities in need, pushing for a more equitable future, and carrying her light forward.
Love and Leggings,
Bibi
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bibi Mama is a first generation Beninese-American actress born and raised in Mansfield, CT. Growing up she watched her father, an English professor and author, continue the Yoruba oral tradition through storytelling, which inspired her. She earned her B.F.A. from Howard University and recently finished her MFA at the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA Graduate Acting Program.