In a state that received an F for diversity of its judiciary, one HBCU grad managed to prove them all wrong. Blavity had the chance to catch up with Judge Bradley Harper, the first black elected judge without prior appointment in Palm Beach County.
Although he will not be sworn in until 2017, the victory for the Morehouse College graduate is one we all can celebrate. The sixth-generation Palm Beach County, Florida resident has been known for his community activism and commitment to his community. He started programs urging the need for for civic activism and has pushed the importance of voting and jury duty service. So how did this Morehouse grad manage to get past all his skeptics and win his election?
There are two ways to become a judge in Palm Beach County – either by election or gubernatorial appointment. Taking the road less traveled, Harper faced skepticism from many of those around him. “I knew I had to run because so many people believed that I did not have any chance of winning. I understood that there was only one way to show them a different path,” he said.
Thanks to his faith he was able to push past those who doubted him. “My faith is stronger than any skeptic or critic. I knew that there might be many close to me who did not have my vision, but I knew that there were enough people who understood the significance of our campaign.”
The soon-to-be sworn-in judge knew he wanted to be in the legal profession when he studied the influence of the legal system on the development of our country. With this newly minted role, his work and voice will help aid in continuing the narrative that black attorneys are qualified and capable of holding highly-regarded, elected positions. Since winning the election, Harper has enjoyed the excitement of his community as they rally around him and enjoy his victory as well. “The excitement of this community about my election as judge is rewarding, because in some respects, my elections is proof that every vote counts,” he told us.
When asked what words of advice does he offer those looking to one follow in his footsteps, he says, “blaze your own path when one is not provided for you.”
As expected, the soon-to-be Judge Harper plans to make sure he upholds the constitution and administers justice. His victory reminds us of three things: HBCUs matter, our vote counts and nothing is impossible.
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