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Gwinnett County's first African-American Superior Court judge hopes to be a role model

Judge Tadia Whitner was sworn in last Monday. This is her first week on the job.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — When Governor Brian Kemp swore in Tadia Whitner to the Superior Court, she became the first black judge to sit on that court in Gwinnett County's 200-year history.

Judge Tadia Whitner has a diverse background. She is an Air Force veteran, a graduate of Howard University and has lived in ten states. She says these experiences will serve her well in her new role. 

"Our community is diverse and our bench should reflect what the community looks like," she said. 

"We have a very fair and unbiased bench and I think perception is important in our community. It looks for someone who looks like them and has the same background as them."

Judge Whitner also views this new role as an opportunity to be a role model to young, black girls who want to pursue law.

"If they want to become a lawyer or judge, they now have a role model," she said. 

Whitner told 11Alive that she is highly involved in the Gwinnett community. 

"I love Gwinnett County," she said. 

"I live, work and volunteer in the community. I think that it's important to not be cut off from your community."

She also believes that compassion and balance are integral in her new role.  

"Compassion is important. Listening to people who come before you is important. You don't have any of that without compassion and that something that is important to take to the bench with you," she said. 

Prior to her appointment as Superior Court judge, Whitner served as a judge in the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court.

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