Amari Dawson lived throughout Illinois during most of her childhood. She resided on the west and south sides of Chicago most of that time. Amari lived in some neighborhoods that poured into the well-being of its residents and some that did not. As a child Amari was exposed to impoverished neighborhoods that were often filled with crime. Amari was reared by parents who served not only the communities in which their family lived, but other communities within the Chicagoland area. Watching her parents assist other families in need, instilled in Amari the passion to live up to her name. Afterall, the name Amari, which originates from the root word love, in multiple languages, meant that she would have love for people.

Amari’s love for people inspired her to set a goal at an early age to become an attorney. In her teenage years, Amari experienced what she refers to as “growing pains.” These “growing pains” included, but were not limited to, overcoming emotional trauma after being impacted by violence, navigating motherhood during adolescence, and facing the imperfections that are imbedded within the justice system.