HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-06-2021; 4-a - Proclamation Recognizing Judicial District 15-B District Court Judge Beverly A. Scarlett Upon Her Retirement 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 6, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing Judicial District 15-B District Court Judge Beverly A.
Scarlett Upon Her Retirement
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Laura Jensen, 919-245-2130
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing Judicial District 15-B District Court Judge
Beverly A. Scarlett upon her retirement.
BACKGROUND: Beverly A. Scarlett was appointed as a Judge for Judicial District 15-B of the
North Carolina District Court System in 2007, becoming the first Woman of Color to serve the
district in this capacity. Judge Scarlett was subsequently elected to the same position by the
voters of Orange and Chatham counties in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
Judge Scarlett has served the residents of Orange and Chatham counties tirelessly and with
distinction as a District Court Judge, and has announced her plans to retire. The attached
proclamation recognizes and expresses sincere gratitude to Judge Beverly A. Scarlett for her
exemplary service, and congratulates Judge Scarlett on her retirement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approving the proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with the proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation, and express its appreciation to Judge Scarlett for her service.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING JUDGE BEVERLY A. SCARLETT
WHEREAS, Beverly A. Scarlett was born in rural Orange County into a family with deep and
extensive roots in the county; and
WHEREAS, in 1983, Scarlett received her undergraduate degree from Saint Augustine's
College, and later enrolled in North Carolina Central University School Law where she earned
her Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Scarlett became the first Woman of Color from Orange County to have a solo
private law practice in Hillsborough; and
WHEREAS, Scarlett became the first Woman of Color to work in the Prosecutorial District 18
as an Assistant District Attorney; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, former Governor Mike Easley appointed Scarlett to serve as Judge for
Judicial District 15-B of the North Carolina District Court System, which includes Orange
County and Chatham County, and thus became the first Woman of Color to serve in this capacity
in the district; and
WHEREAS,Judge Scarlett subsequently was elected as Judge for Judicial District 15-B in 2012,
2016 and 2020, consistently running without opposition; and
WHEREAS,as many Women of Color,Judge Scarlett has had to fight against sexism and racism
during her career; and
WHEREAS, throughout her career, Judge Scarlett has remained a staunch advocate for the
rights of children, women and families, and has promoted accountability and community safety
to assure safe homes for child well-being and development;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners, on behalf of the people of Orange County, hereby recognizes and expresses
sincere gratitude to Judge Beverly A. Scarlett for her exemplary service to Orange County, for
breaking barriers and challenging systems, and for her numerous contributions for the
betterment and advancement of her community; and
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners,
on behalf of the people of Orange County, congratulates Judge Beverly A. Scarlett on her
retirement, and hopes that her life journey hence forward will abound in excitement and joy.
This the 6th Day of April, 2021
Renee A. Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners