She’s making her father proud!
Judge Robin Ransom is making history as the first Black woman to serve on the Missouri Supreme Court, CBS News reports.
Ransom holds an undergraduate degree in political science and sociology from Rutgers University’s Douglass College and a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. She has been working her way through the ranks, and now the state of Missouri has appointed her to serve on their Supreme Court. She is the third Black judge and first Black woman appointed to the state’s highest court.
“While I may be the first African American woman to be part of this court, I’d also like to say that I have never lived by a label or by any identity that anyone’s tried to put upon me. When I look in the mirror, I have always been Robin. And I always live my life to be kind to everyone and to be the best person I can be, and I bring those same attributes to being on this court,” Ransom told reporters.
In her new role, she will replace recent retiree Judge Laura Denvir Stith. Ransom thanked everyone who made the historic moment possible, including her colleagues and Governor Mike Parson, who was responsible for her appointment.
“Judge Ransome will add valuable experience, perspective, and balance to the court. I have high confidence that she will continue to be a fair enforcer of the law, faithfully interpret the law as written, and reasonably consider decisions made at the trial and appellate level in her own evaluation,” Parson said.
Ransom also spoke candidly to reporters, reflecting on her life and the significance of the momentous occasion.
“As the daughter of a fireman, who worked and lived in a segregated engine house when he worked for the fire department, this is a very happy day for my mom, myself, and my entire family. I’m just very sorry that my father, who passed in 2007, did not live to see this day, but I know he’s looking down, and he’s honored,” she said.
Congratulations, Judge Ransom! Because of you, we can!
Photo Courtesy of CBS News