As we celebrate Black History Month, and the achievements of Black Americans in every realm of social and economic life, the Northwest Justice Project is delighted to share a new resource from the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission. The 2024 Diversity in the Judiciary Directory highlights judges, commissioners, and magistrates of color from who serve as mentors, sources of information, representation, and bridges to the justice system for their communities.
In many cases, they represent a first: the first time a Black or other person of color holds their seat. The Commission dedicated the 2024 public directory to Judge Lori K. Smith, the first African American/Black woman to serve as a judge and chief judge on the Washington Appellate Courts.
Also included is Judge Camara Banfield, who says, “I have watched litigants actually display relief when they come into my courtroom and see my appearance on the bench. They will comment on the fact that they didn’t even know there was a Black judge in our community. I am the first Black judge in our county courts. Representation matters.”
The same is true when it comes to legal representation. When people of color and low-income people are represented by legal advocates from their communities there is often greater understanding of the issues and respect for the dignity of the person represented.
At the Northwest Justice Project, our guiding purpose is to provide this representation and win the best possible outcomes for every individual and community we serve. Our commitment to combating injustice, strengthening communities and protecting human dignity is at the core of all we do.