‘A step forward’; judge-to-be honored by friends, peers, church
Rosalind Baker thanks supporters at a brunch given in her honor.
{James Kiefer/Davidson Local}
Saturday, May 22, witnessed an homage to someone soon to hear the phrase “Your Honor” as part of her day job. Friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the historic appointment of Rosalind Baker to the role of district judge.
Baker will be the first Black person to serve as district court judge for Judicial District 22B, which serves two counties - Davidson and Davie. The transition is part of a judicial appointment Gov. Roy Cooper made earlier this month.
After greetings and a few plates of food, attendees stood outside the Davidson Local office to share stories and congratulate Baker on her new role. Some facemasks gave way to grins as friends passed around a microphone, eager to remind Baker of her hard work and roots in the county.
Belinda Clark, a longtime friend, recalled growing up near the intersection of Montclair and Moore drives a few houses from Baker. She spoke with a fondness of watching Baker mature into a pillar of the community.
“You’re our success story,” Clark remarked before embracing Baker for a hug.
Baker, center, stands beside her husband, Freddie, and a supporter.
{James Kiefer/Davidson Local}
When asked by Davidson Local what it means to see someone from the same neighborhood wield a judge’s gavel, Clark said it boiled down to one emotion. “Really, I am so proud, there is no word other than proud,” she said. “[Baker] was just a little girl in that community who studied and continued to apply herself.”
Cassandra Roman, an attorney, said she was excited for Baker, but she added it is somewhat late for Davidson County to see its first Black person on the bench.
“Nothing happens before its time,” Roman said. ”I cannot think of any person more deserving of the opportunity to continue to impact this community.”
Gov. Cooper named Baker to the judge’s chair on May 12; he appointed Jon W. Myers to a second district court seat the same day. Baker will fill the post vacated by Hon. April Wood. Her swearing in is on Wednesday, June 2 at 3 p.m. Baker she will begin hearing cases the same month.
For over three decades, Baker has worked as a solo practitioner at the Law Office of Rosalind Baker. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina A&T State University, Baker secured her Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Baker has busied herself as a Davidson County resident. Outside of practicing law, she has served on several boards and committees including the Lexington Housing Community Development Corporation, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the NAACP Political Action Committee.
She currently serves on the board of Wake Forest Baptist Health-Lexington Medical Center.
When initially asked about the appointment, Baker said she was cutting back hours at her private practice when it came time to apply for the judge’s seat. Now, she hopes the new job will help usher along progress.
“I’m hoping it’s a step forward, because when you walk into a courtroom, you want to at least see someone who may look like you,” she offered. “Not necessarily think like you… Davie and Davidson are diverse counties, and there’s no reason not to have some type of diversity on the bench. Not just as a female, but people of color. Period. Because the only way people are going to understand and feel they’re being heard, is [seeing] someone who looks like them.”
Editor’s Note: Baker was also honored on Sunday, May 23rd by the United Methodist Women during the 79th annual Women’s Day program. Baker was presented a gavel by Dr. Arnetta Beverly, pastor of St. Stephen United Methodist Church. Beverly, who was a longtime Sheriff’s deputy, asked the congregation to pray for Baker as she takes the bench.
Dr. Arnetta Beverly presented Baker with a gavel during the 79th annual Women’s Day program. Baker was escorted to the front of the church by her husband, Freddie. {Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}
