SAN ANTONIO – Approximately 100 community members attended the Judicial Meet-and-Greet event with several past and current judges at the Witte Museum on Saturday.
During the event, attendees learned about the challenges prior Black judges faced in the past. They also heard how these judges overcame obstacles to become prominent figures in San Antonio and Bexar County.
Beverly Smith and her friend Deborah Harris both attended the event with their teen daughters, hoping to show them their capabilities in the future.
“Keep kicking those doors wide open,” Smith said. “There’s space in there for you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be intimidated.”
She said that was her message to young Black boys and girls.
Dozens of Black judges who have served for decades were recognized for their commitment to the courtroom and the community.
An event organizer, Erica Marrow, with the San Antonio Black Lawyers Association, spoke about legacies.
“(This event) shows young people that they can carry on this legacy and that they can be great,” Marrow said.
“I love that these judges are getting recognition while they’re alive like Judge Carruthers just retired, but 37 years on the bench,” Bethany Smith said.
“I’ve been licensed for 52 years,” Carruthers said after recently retiring from 37 years on the bench in Bexar County. “I think diversity is important and people need to realize that this (event) helps.”
The meet-and-greet event inspired people from all walks of life, all ages and all backgrounds.
“It is important to tell the story, and that’s what we’re here to tell,” Congressman Henry Cuellar said. “The story about the Black judges that have really paved the way for generations to come.”
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) was also a topic of conversation as President Donald Trump’s administration broadly attacked DEI initiatives at the federal level.
“I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life,” Trump said after being sworn into office.
Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, also mentioned the president’s stance on DEI during a press briefing.
“He directed all federal agencies to terminate illegal diversity, equity and inclusion program to help return America to a merit-based society,” Leavitt said.
Local leaders, however, assured the people looking up to them that this is not how San Antonio sees diversity.
“Our diversity is what makes us strong,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said at the event. “We’re very proud to be able to say that in San Antonio.”
“We as elected officials, especially the judges, will remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai said.
The room of judges, attorneys and people from different walks of life was filled with laughter, applause, hugs and the pride of diversity in San Antonio.
“We have a legacy in this city, and it needs to be told,” Municipal Court Judge Linda Harrison Lewis said.
“It is very heartwarming that we are still here and we’re still going to continue to fight not just for ourselves but for the rights of others,” Deborah Harris said.
“This is Black History Month,” Judge Stephanie Boyd said. “But it’s more than that; it’s the history of this city in this community.”
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