Vicki Trammell Cuthbert 1st African American Judge hired by Judge James Bodiford

• published: 31 Jul 2010
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The Students of Kennesaw State University and Dr. Scott blessed me with a copy of some of the interviews and I must say again, this man Dr. Thomas Scott is a history professor. As I left the University a scripture came to mind Acts 9 Chapter as I read a little of one or two interviews. One interview in particular being that of Vicki Trammell Cuthbert and Superior court Judge James G. Bodiford. In this scripture and before the beginning of time and birth, God knew Saul and that He had need of Saul. God has need of all of us, some will come and some will not. Through a prophet, in a vision in Damascus, his name was Ananias who was told to go to straight street and there will be a man called Saul of Tarsus. Ananias spoke back to God in a vision saying, "but God I heard this man... he was afraid of Saul but he knew to obey God. In a similar vision after God's touched Saul and he fell to the earth after being blinded and God said to him, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest and the story goes on. He does not tell Saul who he is going to meet but he tells the prophet where he must meet. This man called Saul who had just been blinded for three days, isn't it special to feel how God wanted to used this man from the beginning of time. Yet it is more special who God will send to be the Ananias of Today As I read part of the history of Judge James G. Bodiford and the appointment of the first African American Judge of Cobb County Vicki Cuthbert. Not only just on these two people but a Judge Adele Grubbs, a duty Rhonda Anderson, A Col. Prince; and so many more who interviewed; My sister who if our parents were her would know we followed the foundation of our family seed with the love of community Both women being, Judge Adele Grubb the first International woman Assistant DA and to be elected to a Judicial bench in Cobb County. Judge Bridgett Campbell being the first African America appointed by Governor Roy Barnes to a State Court Judgeship. Today my emotions run high, the tears could have come especially when the Grogan family displayed the Hugh Grogan papers many records coming out of he Marietta Branch of the NAACP and seeing so many African Americans who were first enter the room To see the many volumes of history books to go into Archives, my soul rejoiced. I could have been in the back or just had a pee hole in a door it didn't matter because my calling is sure and helping to open a door does not mean one will be the spot light, when we know our gifts. Jesus had purpose and so must we. As I read of the Judicial system of Cobb County, which came under the administration of Judge James G. Bodiford, when he was appointed to the Magistrate court, working for him I know even more now the dedication and passion this man has for right. Reading the interview from Vicki Cuthbert and him which was done at separate times, I sort of feel him as an Ananias in the 9th chapter It appears he hired the 1st black and white female to a Judicial bench in 1987 and changed the course of historyHe went further to commit to hiring any qualified person in any position, which would also promote education. There was more than one Ananias but the 9th chapter one came to mind about Judge James G. Bodiford. God has people in place to complete the "Greater work's" Jesus commanded that we do. It takes a gifted eye and an unselfish person to deny him or herself to help another and say nothing about it. We now know he hired the first African American Judge and changed the course of the entire Judicial system in Cobb County Georgia. However also it appears we have to say not only did he appoint the first African American Judge in Cobb County who worked with him for 5 years and Vic Reynolds for 5 years from 1987 to 1997. This first African American was a black woman also. She tells what I wondered why did he do it back in those days in her interview. She also tell a new part of history. Not only did he appoint the first African American female and African America but he hired by appointment the first female to the Judicial bench of Cobb County both black and white. As early as 1987 it appeared there was no female on the bench. "I do not know because at the time that I became the first African-American judge- Judge Bodiford also hired a white female judge and I'm not sure Christine was the first, I don't think she was the first white female, I think they had another one who had not stayed long, but we basically sort of integrated I guess the male-dominated bench at the same time." per Vicki Cuthbert. " An elected official whom word is his bond. Per Vicki Cuthbeth "My understanding is that one of his campaign promises to the African American Leadership in Cobb County was that if he had the opportunity he would employ qualified African Americans in the court in whatever position, as a judge, if anybody applied." complete story marywardcater@gmail.com face book