Judge Whitener: First black woman Judge appointed to Washington's Supreme Court
- Judge G. Helen Whitener has become the first-ever African American appointed to Washington State’s Supreme Court
- Judge Helen Whitener was appointed in April 2020
- Whitener is celebrated for her commitment to justice and equity
Our manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in
Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana
Judge G. Helen Whitener has engraved her name in history after she became the first-ever African American appointed to Washington State’s Supreme Court.
The trailblazer African American woman attained this accomplishment in April 2020.
''Today, I’m honored to appoint Judge G. Helen Whitener to the WA State Supreme Court.
She has distinguished herself in many ways during her career, but none more than as a fierce advocate for justice and equity in WA,'' Governor Jay Inslee announced in a tweet.
According to blackhistory.com before becoming a judge, she litigated criminal cases for 14 years as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.
Whitener is celebrated for her commitment to justice and equity.
She serves as co-chair of the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission and as a member of the Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee.
She continues to garner recognition for her work to advance the cause of justice.
READ ALSO: Jude Osei: UN contacts Ghanaian who invented solar-powered hand washing machine (video)
In 2019, she was awarded the Washington State Bar Association’s C.Z. Smith Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, the King County Washington Women Lawyers President Award, the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association’s Diversity Award and the Seattle University School of Law’s Woman of the Year Award.
Judge Whitener is very active locally, nationally, and internationally and speaks often on human rights, access to justice, and the rights and responsibility of the judiciary in ensuring the rights of all that appear before the court to basic dignity and respect in judicial proceedings.
Originally from Trinidad, Whitener moved to the United States as a teenager to attend college.
Whitener earned her bachelor’s degree from Baruch College in New York, and her law degree from Seattle University School of Law.
Watch video below.
In a related story, a young Ghanaian female lawyer, Adwoa Amoako Adjei, has been called to The Gambia and Ghana bars.
Recently, Adwoa Amoako Adjei, who is also an entrepreneur, is attracting attention on social media after her admirable feat became public.
Base Africa TV reports that she is one of the youngest female lawyers to be called to The Gambia and Ghana bars.
Born on April 4, 1994, the 26-year-old reportedly distinguished herself in her legal courses and successfully made it to the bar.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: Ghanaian robotics company invents electronic sanitisers (photos)
Low-cost ventilators produced in Ghana by Prof. Fred McBagonluri | #Yencomgh
Have national and human interest issues to discuss?
Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?
Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
