Baker becomes first Black judge in Davidson and Davie counties
The Honorable Rosalind Baker takes the oath to become District Court Judge in Davidson and Davie counties. She’s accompanied by her husband, Freddie Peoples.
{Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
In the words of Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly, “Somewhere history is being made but in Davidson County ‘her’story has been made.”
On Wednesday afternoon, family, friends, classmates, mentees, colleagues and community members created a standing-room-only venue inside of Davidson County Courthouse’s Courtroom 9 to witness a changing of the guard. During a ceremony filled with tears, standing ovations and amens, the now Honorable Rosalind Baker was sworn in as District Court Judge in Judicial District 22B (servicing Davidson and Davie counties). Baker is the first Black judge in either county.
Gov. Roy Cooper announced Baker’s appointment to fill the Honorable April Wood’s vacated seat. Wood is a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
In a year that has been consumed with an ongoing pandemic, the once-in-a-lifetime moment was a welcomed opportunity for many to celebrate amidst hope. Presiding over the ceremony was retired Chief District Court Judge Wayne L. Michael who shared the confidence he has in Baker.
“Rosalind is such an amazing person, attorney and pillar of fire in the legal community and the community. She’s qualified by education, common sense, experience and leadership. Some of you may not believe this but even by temperament.”
Drawing laughter from the crowd, Michael switched his tone to notate Baker’s appointment taking place over 150 years after the Civil War and more than 50 years after the establishment of the modern district court system. He refused to gloss over the significance of the day’s events.
Baker (middle) was seated between her husband, Freddie, and pastor, the Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly.
{Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
“I don’t want to make too much of that or too little of that but what I will say is it’s about damn time.”
Beverly, who noted she wouldn’t use the same exact words as Michael since members of her church (St. Stephen United Methodist where Baker is a member) were in attendance, emphasized the joy she felt.
“We’re delighted this great honor has come her way. Ros, welcome to the bench in Davidson and Davie counties.”
Baker, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, was honored by her sorority sisters in a surprise presentation. She was gifted with flowers and a plaque adorned with a gavel.
“Thank you for your tireless, endless commitment to our community and sorority,” said June Britt. “We love you dearly, we’re here to support you and we’re very proud of you.”
In a crowd that numbered close to 200, pride seemed to be the common feeling towards a woman who has routinely forged uncommon paths while shattering glass ceilings along the way. Baker, a 1976 graduate of Lexington Senior High School, received her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University before obtaining her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University’s School of Law. In 1984, she returned to her hometown to open her law firm. At the time, she was the first Black person and second woman attorney in Davidson County. Today, there are less than five Black attorneys practicing in Davidson County.
The county’s first woman attorney, Phyllis Penry, fought tears as she exalted her friend.
“I know when we were in court together, we fought. You were formidable competition. But we learned something. You eventually realize you don’t take it personally.”
Acknowledging she admired Baker’s work ethic and dedication to her clients, it was a commonality outside of the courtroom that served as the foundation of their friendship.
“We bonded over grief. We lost brothers at young ages and mothers when we were far too young. She’s experienced life’s high and happy moments and its grief and pain. It’s the melting of those experiences that has defined and refined her as a person. Like myself, [Rosalind] was somewhat set apart. I was the first woman in a male-dominated profession. She was the first African American in an all-white profession here in Davidson County. At times things can be difficult. It’s a good thing to be thankful for the different situations in your life. They instill an ability to view people, facts and circumstances from a broader perspective. When life is always easy, determination, courage, perseverance, strength and empathy are traits that often go undeveloped in a person. That’s not the case with Rosalind Baker. What greater attribute can we hope for in a presiding judge than wisdom?”
Baker’s hand rests on the Bible of her late mother, Jessie Baker. {Contributed photo/Freddie Peoples}
After a yielding of the floor back to Michael by Penry, Baker approached the podium. With her left hand resting on her mother’s, the late Jessie Baker, Bible (held by her husband Freddie), Michael administered the oath. As onlookers wiped their eyes, Baker’s confirmation was met with the enthusiasm of a Sunday morning service. Attendees rose to their feet, thunderous applause roared through the courtroom and a few hallelujahs were shouted from the courthouse congregation.
Turning towards the audience before taking her seat next to her fellow district court judges, tears fell from Baker’s eyes. Sue Woodberry, 84, didn’t contain her emotions. Many of the octogenarians and nonagenarians in attendance never expected to see a Black judge serving in Davidson or Davie County in their lifetimes.
“I feel wonderful,” Woodberry confessed. “I’m proud of Rosalind. I think this is a step forward. This might make a change, you know?”
For Rebecca Moretz, Baker’s paralegal for 21 years, her move to the next level is right on time.
“I haven’t so much considered her my boss, more of my friend. I’m so proud of her and so excited for what lies ahead. I know she will do an excellent job.”
Before the conclusion of the ceremony, which included hugs, countless photos and a reception, Baker, who will begin presiding over cases on June 14, stood behind the bench and addressed the audience from a new point of view.
“I give honor to the Lord Almighty. I’d like to thank my family for being here – my husband, brother, nieces, nephews, cousins. I have a lot of family here. I’ve been really overwhelmed by the support. My mom raised my four brothers and me by herself [after she was widowed]. I think she did a good job and I know she’d be proud and happy. She told me you can do whatever you want to do. I came home because my mom and I were best friends and I wanted to give back.”
As for the questions about why now and why she wants to be a judge, Baker had an answer.
“I want to go forward and give back to the community in a different way. They’ve given back to me. I’m going to be fair and I look forward to serving.”
