City Of South Fulton’s Justice System Run By Black Women
The women running South Fulton’s justice system have been quick to point out that having a justice system run entirely by African-American women was not something that was planned, CNN reported.
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African-American women run the justice system in the city of South Fulton, which had its first official day May 1, 2017.
Atlanta Voice first reported on the women making history.
In September 2017, Tiffany Carter Sellers was appointed as the city’s first municipal court judge. Her current title is chief judge.
Sellers was appointed by a panel of other experienced judges in the community, Atlanta Voice reported. She later hired court administrator Lakesiya Cofield and chief court clerk Ramona Howard.
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This Is Not A Diversity Experiment
The women running South Fulton’s justice system have been quick to point out that having a justice system run entirely by African-American women was not something that was planned, CNN reported.
Sellers told CNN that “it came together very organically.”
Almost 90 percent of the city’s population is black, according to city demographic data posted on its website.
These are the women running South Fulton’s municipal court:
- Tiffany Carter Sellers, chief judge
- LaDawn “LBJ” Jones, city solicitor
- Viveca Powell, public defender
- Lakesiya L. Cofield, court administrator
- Ramona Howard, clerk of court
- Kerry Stephens, court clerk
- Tiffany Kinslow, court clerk
Also, Sheila Rogers is the interim police chief.
To Many, It May Be A Justice Example
South Fulton may be an example to the country in light of recent news and stories circulating about how African-Americans have been treated during encounters with police.
The mission of the municipal court, as stated on the website, is “to provide an impartial forum for the fair administration of justice in a manner that balances the rule of law and the respect of all persons.”
According to CNN, the court is focusing on educating people about the law and will provide a public defender for every defendant’s first appearance. In addition, the court has a pretrial diversion program to keep people out of trouble by providing resources such as counseling.
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