South Country Central School District seventh grade students in Romelo Green’s U.S. Government and Constitution class at Bellport Middle School had the opportunity to speak personally with Gow Mosby Jr., a former graduate and an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. The virtual assembly was one of several Black History Month activities held during the month of February, which provided students with unique perspectives on possible career opportunities.

Mr. Mosby spoke about instances which propelled his interests in becoming an attorney and the path that led him to the position of assistant district attorney. He also encouraged students to continue their education, saying that college opens the doors to world experiences. After being arrested for playing basketball on a college campus, Mr. Mosby said he decided to become a prosecutor, not only because prosecutors have a lot of power in the justice system, but because they make decisions about the future of people’s lives.

“I knew that I could make informed decisions based on my experiences,” he said.

Select students were also able to ask Mr. Mosby questions pertaining to the information they have learned in class, which included the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution. Questions included whether additional amendments can be made to the U.S. Constitution, why schools can search backpacks without a warrant, and whether pleading the Fifth Amendment automatically makes you guilty. Some students also asked personal and professional questions such as what it is like being a black attorney and about his hardest and most interesting cases.

He advised students who have an interest in law to study subject areas in college that interest them. “Law runs across all aspects of society,” Mr. Mosby said. “Explore what you want.”

Principal Dr. Jamal Colson thanked Mr. Mosby for his time and said, “This will be an assembly the students will remember for a lifetime.”