Redress the Ceiling: A Conversation with Judge Amber Givens of the 282nd Judicial District Court
Photo Credit: Jessica Williams
In the corridors of justice, amidst the gavel's resounding echo and the weight of legal precedent, stands Judge Amber Givens—a trailblazer, educator, and beacon of hope in the judicial system. In a candid conversation, Judge Givens shares her journey, passion for community education, and the significance of being acknowledged as a Black woman in the judiciary.
Q: What initially drew you to pursue a career in law, and how did your journey lead you to become the Presiding Judge of the 282nd Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Texas?
Judge Givens: Initially, my interest in the law was sparked by my own family’s tragedy. Beyond that, my tenure at my alma mater Mother Tuskegee, also played an integral role in cementing my passion to pursue a career in the law. My Tuskegee University Professor, Attorney Robert Thompson, urged our Intro to the Law class, “The law was created to keep you as chattel, so you must master it.” At that moment I knew I’d master the law and obtain my Juris Doctor degree.
As the family member of a formerly incarcerated person, a former Assistant District Attorney and former Defense Attorney, I witnessed firsthand the issues plaguing our legal system and the broken aspects of that same system. Not one to simply standby, I rolled up my sleeves and ran for Presiding Judge of the 282nd Judicial District Court to ensure justice and equality for all is a reality.
Q: Could you share a significant moment or experience that solidified your passion for community education?
Judge Givens: In 2016 I created The Word of Mouth Series (WOM), a community education program. The series is an enlightening series about criminal justice and the overall legal system. WOM strives to demystify the criminal justice system and the educational component of this program fosters transparency in the system and participation in the process. During the 2016 Presidential Election I hosted a WOM session focusing on the Election Code and voting rights. Many of the session participants were not aware that people who had previously been on probation and/or parole could register to vote at any point in their lives. A volunteer deputy registrar was on site and was able to register several of the individuals that had formerly been on probation and/or parole.
The impact of the individuals registering to vote at the WOM session did not truly resonate with me until I was tagged in a participant’s Facebook post. One of the gentlemen [that was formerly incarcerated] posted a picture of himself and his spouse at a polling location. In the post he shared that he never thought he’d be able to share this civic duty with his wife and how he had missed voting in so many prior elections because he wasn’t aware that he had the right to register to vote. He commented that the WOM session he attended created generational change in his family and he committed to educating his community as well. The impact that one WOM session had on that gentleman’s life solidified my passion for educating the community.
Q: Being recognized as a trailblazer through the "Redress the Ceiling" campaign we hope holds significant meaning. How does it feel to be acknowledged for your accomplishments, especially as a Black woman in the judiciary, and what does this recognition mean to you personally?
Judge Givens: Being recognized is important to me because I hope the people that will see a snippet of my life’s journey in the campaign, will be encouraged to blaze a trail for themselves to pursue their purpose in life.
Location: South Dallas Cultural Center
Q: Can you share a moment in your career where you felt particularly challenged or doubted? How did you overcome this obstacle, and what did you learn from the experience?
Judge Givens: Where do I begin? There are so many instances where I could have allowed one moment or one inconvenience to dictate my future…from the moment I learned how much law school would cost to failing the New York Bar exam the first time. But there is one thing I know for sure that Romans 8:28 has ingrained in my spirit, “…in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” While life may be challenging at times, your best self is right outside of your comfort zone. Put on your blinders…don’t look to your left or your right…stay focused and walk with purpose. Your commitment to your purpose will guide you when the naysayers attempt to distract you and strategically place boulders on your path. Find your purpose and commit.
Q: As you look to the future, what legacy do you hope to leave behind in your role as Presiding Judge? What do you aspire to accomplish or change during your tenure?
Judge Givens: My sincerest hope is that my service as the Presiding Judge of the 282nd Judicial District Court has created a legacy that inspires people to strive to maintain a well-tuned moral compass that is not situational and one independent of popular opinion and moreover, a commitment to addressing the systemic issues head-on that have undermined equal protection under the law for all people.
Q: Finally, on a more personal note, what brings you joy or fulfillment outside of your professional responsibilities? How do you maintain a sense of balance and well-being amidst the demands of your position?
Judge Givens: When I think of the word ‘joy’ I think of the multifaceted world my Creator has blessed me to experience and the limitless opportunities I have as a lifelong student.
I revel in learning new things and I love spending my personal time taking on new challenges whether that’s taking a kickboxing class, learning a new language, being a spectator at a rugby game, diving into personal fitness and nutrition, solo travel, volunteering alongside loved ones and so on.