Women are making strides in 2018 like never before. Though Republicans across the country have made a concerted effort to roll back women’s rights, it’s clear that progress cannot be stopped. This is certainly true in the South—where black women have been making political history over the last year. In May, Democrat LaToya Cantrell was sworn in as the mayor of New Orleans, the first woman to be elected mayor in the city’s 300-year history. Later that same month, Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams became the first black woman to be nominated for governor by any major political party. And that’s not all. Also in Georgia, in the newly created City of South Fulton, black women are making history as heads of the criminal justice system. For the very first time in American history, every single one of the criminal justice department heads is a black woman.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution explains in detail how some of the women were hired first and then appointed/hired the black women to their respective positions:
Six of those women hold the highest positions in the city's law enforcement arm: Chief of Police Sheila Rogers, Chief Judge Tiffany Carter Sellers, Court Administrator Lakesiya L. Cofield, Clerk of Court Ramona Howard, Solicitor LaDawn Jones and Public Defender Viveca Powell.
“This is something that happened organically, but it’s a wonderful thing,” Chief Judge Tiffany Carter Sellers said. “We bring our experience as African-American women, mothers, and wives to the table every day. So when we’re making those decisions, we certainly don’t forget our experiences.”
This is not only historic because all the women are black. It is also the first time that a city’s criminal justice system has been led by all women. As AJC notes, this was not intentionally planned. But it does demonstrate the very reason why the city was founded to begin with—in order to better represent the community it serves.
To some naysayers, this may not sound like the incredible achievement it is. But it could prove to be a shining example for the rest of the country. South Fulton is Georgia’s fifth largest city. It was incorporated in 2017 and the police force and municipal court began operating in March. Though it is new, the city has already included details in the municipal court that are meant to be equitable and provide better access to representation than other systems around the country. It also includes planned opportunities for second chances.
The Atlanta Voice writes:
The city’s pre-trial diversion program will allow offenders to keep a clean record in exchange for community service, education, and counseling where appropriate. The diversion program, “Second Chance South Fulton,” is paid for by the court budget and overseen by the City Solicitor, LaDawn “LBJ” Jones. [...]
Another progressive component of the court system is the appointment of the public defender. In most jurisdictions, a public defender is only assigned after someone proves they cannot afford a private attorney.
In South Fulton, everyone that appears before the court has an opportunity to receive appointed counsel prior to making a decision on their case.
These elements of the criminal justice system could have a transformative impact on both incarceration rates and the community itself. Offenders across the country are often denied proper justice and may have their lives ruined for minor infractions or crimes. There is also a history of keeping suspects in jail for long periods of time if they cannot afford bail. City Solicitor LaDawn Jones believes that South Fulton can do better.
“One of the primary purposes of laws is to protect citizens and the city,” Jones explained. “You can do that without sending everyone to jail or enforce high fees. Most people do better when they know better.”
Even with the fuss being made about their historic achievement, their focus remains on their jobs—which they see as keeping the community safe and ensuring justice for everyone. Chief Judge Tiffany Carter Sellers underscores the women’s commitment to South Fulton. In an interview with Channel 2 Action News which was reported by the AJC, she said: “We are all here and invested in the community, and I think that’s what makes it special.”
This is truly special indeed. In an uncertain and dangerous political climate where the world often feels as if its gone completely mad, this is some welcome and good news. We’ve already seen what black women can do in their communities and in the voting booth. Now watch them lead and do their part in reforming our broken criminal justice system.