A is for Alexander, Judge Elreta Alexander-Ralston

Today's photo is the Guilford County Courthouse. We wanted to feature Judge Elreta Alexander-Ralston and Courtroom 2A is named for her and her portrait hangs there (reference). However, one does not simply march into a courtroom and start taking pictures! We'll tell you about Greensboro's Judge Alexander and promise to post a better photo should we ever get one.

Greensboro's Judge Elreta Narcissus Melton Alexander-Ralston (1919-1998) was the first African-American woman to graduate from Columbia University Law School (1945). She practiced law in Greensboro from 1947 to 1968, becoming part of the first integrated law firm in the south.  In 1968, she was the first African American woman in the nation elected as a state district court judge. As a judge, she pioneered legal reform, particularly in the way children were held accountable for their crimes. She was known for compassion, fairness, and assigning much community service.  Also, she is remembered for her flamboyant attire and words (read Schlosser's article here). Judge Alexander retired from the bench in 1981 and became a senior partner in a local law firm (reference here). See a great portrait here. Greensboro is an important city in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and Judge Alexander was a trailblazer! We think it is an oversight that, to date, no Wikipedia entry on Judge Alexander exists! 

Round 9 has begun for ABC Wednesday which means it is time for "A" words around the world. Last round, we featured A-Z streets of Greensboro. This round, we're hoping to feature people significant to Greensboro. May B-Z people be easier! We'd love to know Judge Alexander would have answered yesterday's question "What does it mean to be southern?"

Judge Alexander

Comments

[Dina]

that's an admirable personal and city history.

Maybe YOU will be the one to write about the judge for Wikipedia?

[Jack Hart]

Let me tell you, she was one of the classiest, and nicest ladies I ever met!
At the time I met her I was pumping gas at the old Ronnies Sunoco, (Beside McDonald's) on Summit Ave. She treated me like a king!
Jack

[Jane Mitchell]

Bravo, GDP! You should take Dina's advice and enter that Wikipedia article on our judge.

[Roger Green]

Agreed - it'd be a great idea for you to write the Wiki piece; you've already gotten the outline right here.

Yes, I remember Greensboro's history in the civil rights movement movement (maybe I paid attention because of the GREEN part)

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

[Ken]

Obviously, someone with substance and loads of style to boot! It may be your fate to take on this task of writing this entry about her. Your writing is always eloquent and words, precise. Go for it GDP!!

[Jack Hart]

I 'fifth' the motion for you to do the wiki article!
Jack
PS...My Mom went to Church With her, said the same as me, classy lady! And her husband was a first class gentleman too!

[Linda]

What a fascinating article and idea for the ABC round.

Linda

ABC Wednesday Team

[Wanda]

Here come de Judge....here come de Judge. Very interesting read.

[kml]

You're right - they would probably confiscate your camera at the door. Great post!

[Oakland Daily Photo]

Great new post. Educational too. I was wondering what theme you were going to follow this round. I keep flitting from thing to thing. But I found an X already! So I figure I'm ahead of the game no matter what I do. Ha! Onward to B...

[Kathy]

Thanks for such an informative post about an astounding and inspiring woman. I loved hearing about your Judge A.