Good Afternoon Everyone:
Last Thursday, April 7 at 2:17pm I was sitting in my sister-in-law’s home in Bonduel, Wisconsin and I got to witness history. On that day, at that hour Vice President Kamala Harris announced that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson had been confirmed as the next Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Under ordinary circumstances this would have been a momentous occasion. But it was even more so because the first woman and woman of color to hold the position of Vice President was able to proclaim the confirmation of the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. Upon seeing this play out, my heart rejoiced.
Now I am not an attorney, and I don’t play one on TV. Therefore, I can only imagine what this means for women of color in the legal profession and young girls of color who aspire to be lawyers. But, this achievement should not only serve as inspiration for women of color, but for all of us who believe in the promise of a pluralistic democracy and the end result of competence and hard work. I know that Justice Brown Jackson will make us all very proud.
In a similar vein on March 30, it was a great honor to attend the retirement program for Bettye Davis who completed her tenure of service to DeKalb County. Her tours of duty included time in the CEO’s Office, the Lou Walker Senior Center and the Office of Human Services.
I was honored to say a few words at the event along with my friend and colleague Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who did a great job. In my comments I spoke of service and sacrifice and of Bettye’s professionalism and commitment to DeKalb County. I also made note of the fact that while the Lou Walker Senior Center is in District 5, Bettye actually resides in District 4.
Bettye’s presence will surely be missed. She has earned a well deserved retirement and the thanks of a grateful county.
On April 1 it was a pleasure to attend the graduation ceremony for the DeKalb Drug Treatment Court, which is one of the Accountability Courts, which has been an honor for me to support. The guest speaker for the event was our friend and colleague Commissioner Lorraine Cochran Johnson who did a great job.
Watching these graduates, who endured and overcame many challenges complete such a program is encouraging, and it was an honor for me to bear witness. I want to thank my friend, DeKalb Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson for her excellent administration of this program and for the invitation to attend the ceremony.
On April 3 it was wonderful to attend a farewell reception for Cha-Quias Miller-Thornton upon her departure as City Manager for the City of Stone Mountain. Her tenure in this role was outstanding and I was honored to say a few words on her behalf.
I also want to thank my friends Dr. George and Susan Coletti for hosting this event at their lovely home.
One of the occupational hazards of being in public office is a tendency to always want to play the hero and pander to folks who come to us with ideas. After all, who wants to say no to a constituent?
But truthfully, some of the things that people approach us with are factually inaccurate and not thoroughly thought out. Sometimes we are even approached with requests to circumvent proper procedure on their behalf.
That is why we need folks like City Managers and County Attorneys who help to keep us on the straight and narrow path. This requires the qualities of competence and courage in the people who serve in these roles. During her tenure Cha-Quias Miller-Thornton demonstrated these qualities in a wonderful manner. Wise elected officials would do well to listen to folks like Cha-Quias who operate with the best interest of the organization at heart. I wish her nothing but success in her future endeavors.
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that our next Quarterly in the Fourth Community Breakfast meeting will be on Saturday, April 23 at 9:00am. More information will be available across our communications platforms.
If you need any assistance you may call my office at 404-371-4749, or visit my website at
commissionerbradshaw.com. Finally, I will close today by once again thanking the citizens of District 4 and DeKalb County for affording me this opportunity to serve. It is indeed an honor.
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