As a voluntary bar founded by African American women to focus on the advancement and empowerment of black women attorneys and to advocate for women and children's issues, the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) desires a state Supreme Court bench that is diverse and reflective of all Georgians. When choosing Chief Justice Harold Melton's successor, Governor Brian Kemp should select someone who possesses rigorous intellect, trial and appellate experience, a record of excellence and integrity, has a commitment to impartial justice, and a commitment to faithfully apply the law to the facts before the court. These are qualities that Chief Justice Melton possesses, and we are deeply grateful for his service.

Governor Kemp should also seek to maintain the racial diversity that is currently present on the nine-member bench. For thirty-two years, first with the appointment of Justice Robert Benham in 1989 and three years later with the appointment of GABWA founding President Justice Leah Ward Sears, Georgia's highest court has maintained racial diversity. Justice Sears was an outstanding jurist and the first and only African American woman to serve on Georgia's Supreme Court. Notably, since Justice Sears' retirement from the Court in 2009, a black woman has not ascended to the state's highest court. Governor Kemp must prioritize the importance of having an array of backgrounds on the court, as each justice brings their unique life experience which affords them the opportunity to grasp how their legal decisions affect the daily reality of people's lives. Since Georgia is 32% African American, the only way to ensure public trust and confidence in the courts is to ensure that there is always a proper representation from our population.  GABWA looks forward to the opportunity to assist the Judicial Nominating Commission and Governor Kemp in their evaluation of candidates and ultimate selection of our next Supreme Court justice.