In the spirit of social justice, Vicksburg Municipal Court Judge Toni Walker Terrett (‘96) reflects on her foundation at Tougaloo College as she runs for Ninth District Circuit Court Judge for sub-district 9-1 in Mississippi. The district covers parts of Warren, Sharkey and Issaquena counties.
“Tougaloo College holds a special place in my heart because it is a place that is absent of limitations. Knowing that I was sitting in the same classrooms and walking the same grounds as freed slaves, the Tougaloo Nine and many influential black professionals was surreal. I had the opportunity to grow as a person and a scholar in a challenging yet nurturing environment,” said Terrett.
After graduating from Tougaloo College and working in the field of journalism, Terrett obtained her law degree from the Mississippi College School of Law.
“I felt that I could compete with students from Ivy League schools, state universities with the training received at Tougaloo. For Tougaloo College graduates, obstacles and limitations are opportunities to create paths for ourselves and others to tread,” said Terrett.
Judge Terrett has served the Vicksburg, MS community as a law clerk, public defender, community court judge and senior municipal court judge. Due to these experiences, she knows well-educated and fair judges are needed to bring about true justice.
“After working in private law practice for seven years and now serving as a judge for nine years, I understand the need to have competent, efficient and fair jurists seated at the courtroom bench. I had the opportunity to experience a variety of judges as I represented clients in civil and criminal cases. Regardless of the outcome of a case, the courts should be a level playing field where all parties have equal access to be heard,” said Terrett.
As Tougaloo College is a voice for the voiceless, Terrett continues to use her training in social justice to impact the lives of others, as she seeks election Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
