Rashanna James-Frison, a Newark, NJ resident is a graduate from Bard College. Rashanna graduated with her Associates Degree in June of 2025 at the age of eighteen years old. She is currently studying Criminal Justice and Sociology at Lincoln University, PA to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. 

Rashanna published her first book of poetry at the age of seventeen years old titled ‘’The Black Unicorn: A Daughter From Newark’’ now available on amazon. Some of the topics that are discussed are social justice, gun violence, and the hardships of being a young black girl. Rashanna hopes that with publishing her book, young teenage girls and boys will be able to relate to her poetry. 

Rashanna is the youngest politician in Newark, NJ serving as a Commissioner for the Newark Civilian Complaint Review Board, which not only addresses misconduct activities done by Newark Police Department members, but also establishes better communication and foster healthier relationships with Law Enforcement in the Newark Community. 

Rashanna served as the Essex County Young Democrats Vice Chair of the High School Caucus, and participated in various programs, including the Rutgers University-Newark Pre College Programs and the W.E.B DuBois Scholars Institute at Princeton University. 

Rashanna has accumulated over 2,000 hours of community service with Girls, Live, Love, Laugh Inc. Rashanna had the opportunity to sit on the Youth Advisory Board with the Victoria Foundation, learning about philanthropy, grant writing, and the importance of grants. Being a fellow with the Gem Project, Rashanna was presented with the opportunity to Canvass 500 families throughout the five wards in the city of Newark to not only spread the word of Healthcare to members of the community, but also gain personal growth in the process. 

Rashanna has received numerous awards, and has been recognized for her poetry and public speaking skills.