(Updated 11/19/2016) An unprecedented nine Black women were elected as judges in Alabama’s Jefferson County on Nov. 8.
Javan Patton, Debra Bennett Winston, Shera Craig Grant, Nakita “Niki” Perryman Blocton, Tamara Harris Johnson, Elisabeth French, Agnes Chappell, Brendette Brown Green and Annetta Verin—all Democrats—defeated opponents to secure seats in the county’s district and circuit courts. They will be sworn-in in January.
Javan Patton is one of nine Black female judges recently elected in Jefferson County, Ala. (Courtesy photo)
“I just think it’s great,” Birmingham lawyer and former president of the Jefferson County Progressive Democratic Council Emory Anthony told The Birmingham Times. “Jefferson County is a majority Democratic county. They turn out to vote, they’re capable of electing qualified individuals.”
Birmingham is the most populous city in Jefferson County and in the state. African Americans are the second-largest racial group in the county, comprising 43.1 percent of the population, after Whites, who represent 53.8 percent.
Elisabeth French told The Birmingham Times “serving as a judge is the biggest honor of my entire career and I’m humbled to be able to continue the work that I’ve done. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep up that work. …I hope to continue to inspire the younger generation to keep working hard. With hard work and with God’s blessing, they will be able to succeed and do the things they need to do and what the community and the country need from future leaders.”
On the same day, Lynniece Olive-Washington also made history in Alabama when she won the Bessemer Cutoff District Attorney’s office over Bill Veitch, becoming the first African-American and first woman to hold the position.
Olive-Washington told The Birmingham Times “I feel honored…that I’m allowed to be the chief law enforcement officer and I understand that I have a lot of work to do.” She continued “I welcome it.”