Kiah Duggins, a vibrant 30-year-old woman with a promising future, tragically lost her life in the midair collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane near Reagan National Airport. A former Miss Kansas contestant and soon-to-be law professor at Howard University, Duggins was remembered for her radiant smile, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through her community, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and a profound sense of loss.
As a civil rights attorney, Duggins dedicated her career to challenging systemic injustices within the criminal legal system. Her work focused on combating unconstitutional policing practices and advocating against unjust money bail systems, primarily in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington D.C. She collaborated with organizations like the ACLU of Northern California and Neufeld, Scheck & Brustin LLP, relentlessly pursuing justice for marginalized communities. Duggins’s passion for civil rights extended to her involvement with the Civil Rights Corps, a non-profit organization where she continued her work to protect the rights of individuals ensnared in the criminal justice system.
Duggins’s academic journey reflected her unwavering dedication to legal scholarship and social change. She obtained her law degree from Harvard Law School, where she served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, further solidifying her commitment to advocating for those in need. Prior to her legal studies, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and completed a Fulbright grant in Taiwan, broadening her horizons and deepening her understanding of global issues. Her academic achievements and passionate advocacy foreshadowed a bright future in legal scholarship and social justice reform.
Beyond her professional achievements, Duggins was remembered for her captivating personality and vibrant spirit. Larry Strong, her local pageant director during her Miss Kansas and Miss Butler County competitions, described her as possessing a “bright future,” highlighting her top 10 finalist placements in both pageants. Strong’s Facebook post underscored Duggins’s impending role as a law professor at Howard University, a position she was eagerly anticipating. Her involvement in the pageant world showcased her poise, grace, and dedication to representing her community.
Those who knew Duggins personally spoke of her infectious enthusiasm and genuine warmth. Annie Montgomery, minister of Tabernacle Bible Church in Wichita, fondly remembered Duggins’s radiant smile and zest for life, emphasizing her adventurous spirit and effortless ability to connect with others. Montgomery’s words painted a picture of a young woman who radiated positivity and touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Lacey Cruse, a former Sedgwick County commissioner, echoed these sentiments, describing Duggins as a “brave and beautiful soul” and a beacon of light in the fight for civil rights. Cruse emphasized the profound impact Duggins had on those around her and the heartbreaking loss felt by her community.
Kiah Duggins’s tragic death represents a profound loss for the legal community and the broader social justice movement. Her dedication to advocating for the marginalized, her unwavering pursuit of equality, and her radiant spirit left an indelible mark on those who knew her. As the investigation into the midair collision continues, Duggins’s legacy of advocacy and her commitment to building a more just world will continue to inspire future generations of lawyers, activists, and community leaders.
