South Fulton is the first city in the United States where every criminal justice department is headed by an African-American woman.

While the country waits to see if Georgia will elect its first black female governor, one of its cities is already making history within its judicial system.

The criminal justice system of South Fulton, Georgia is led by eight black women. A powerful image of the women was taken by the Atlanta Voice. According to the Voice, the city’s municipal court started operating in January 2018 and the city’s new police force began in March. Six of the eight women hold the highest position in the city’s law enforcement hierarchy.

Chief of Police Sheila Rogers is the city’s first police chief and has worked in law enforcement for more than 26 years. Chief Judge Tiffany Carter Sellers is the city’s first chief judge. Sellers hired Court Administrator Lakesiya L. Cofield and Ramona Howard, the city’s first chief court clerk. Also on the team are Public Defender Viveca Powell, and City Solicitor LaDawn “LBJ” Jones .

Sellers told Atlanta’s Channel 2 News everyone brings their own uniqueness to the job which makes them relatable and sensitive to the black experience of criminal justice in America.

“We bring our experience as African-American women, mothers, and wives to the table everyday,” she explained. “So when you’re making those decisions, we certainly don’t forget our experiences.”w

Sellers also adds that despite all of their individual accomplishments, each woman is dedicated to helping each other and remaining focused on their work. The University of Georgia graduate spends at least 14 hours of her day making sure her city is safe.

“I don’t think anyone is going around thinking we’re going to make history and break barriers,” she told WSB-TV. “We’re just doing our jobs. We are all here and invested in the community and I think that’s what makes it special.”

Sellers runs her courtroom with respect, both to the accusers and the victims and their families. According to the Atlanta Voice, the city’s court gives each person and their case the time and respect it deserves. This includes making sure everyone understands the proceedings of the system, an aspect Sellers said she spends a lot of her time during. Also anyone who appears before the court in South Fulton is offered counseling prior to a decision being made on their case and there is guaranteed access to your attorney.

“Having an opportunity to advise clients ensures justice is receive by all,” Powell told The Root.

A former inmate’s successful reintegration into the community is a top priority for Sellers and the rest of the women.

The city’s pre-trial diversion, “Second Chance South Fulton” is an opportunity for offenders to keep a clean record by engaging in community service and counseling when appropriate.

“One of the primary purposes of laws is to protect citizens and city,” Jones told the Atlanta Voice. “You can that without sending everyone to jail or enforce high fees. Most people do better when they know better.”

Sellers wants to restore people’s faith, specifically African-Americans, in the law enforcement system. Hopefully, the city of South Fulton could be an example of this trust.

South Fulton’s #blackgirlmagic court is kicking off what is anticipating to be an historic political year for Georgia. In May, Democratic Stacey Abrams became the first black woman to be elected to be a major party nominee for governor, making her Georgia’s first black nominee for the job since the Reconstruction era.

 

Source: Michael Baisden Live ( a paid partnership)