Citizens for Judicial Fairness Applauds Nomination of N. Christopher Griffiths To Be Second Black Delaware Supreme Court Justice in History; Urges Further Diversification from Governor John Carney

Friday, Residents for Judicial Equity applauded the nomination of N. Christopher Griffiths to fill certainly one of two vacancies on the Delaware Supreme Courtroom, making him simply the second Black justice nominated to the state’s Supreme Courtroom in its 230-plus yr historical past, whereas urging Governor Carney to additional diversify the state’s prime courts, together with the all-white Chancery Courtroom.

Keandra McDole, activist and Residents for Judicial Equity spokesperson mentioned, “N. Christopher Griffiths’ nomination to be the second Black justice ever on the Delaware Supreme Courtroom is a victory for all of us who’ve organized for courts that seem like us quite than the all-white courts of outdated. There isn’t a query that our laborious work and devoted advocacy throughout Delaware since these vacancies opened was instrumental in compelling Governor Carney to do the suitable factor and make this appointment. However we’d like extra, and this nomination is merely a primary step. The Chancery Courtroom stays all-white and Black justices proceed to be drastically underrepresented in our state’s prime courts. We is not going to relaxation till the judiciary in our state really appears just like the folks of our state.”

Mentioned civil rights icon Reverend Al Sharpton, “In the present day, we rejoice the appointment of Chris Griffiths, a distinguished Black legal professional, to the best court docket in Delaware. Tomorrow, we get proper again to work to raise many extra like Chris Griffiths to essential judgeships throughout Delaware’s courts. The battle for range and inclusion is greater than a righteous wrestle to make sure extra Black leaders have positions of energy after centuries of exclusion — it’s a basically American best that the establishments that form the legal guidelines and insurance policies that govern us should embrace voices from all of our communities. That is how we make actual the promise of the Structure’s loftiest ideas, and that is the battle we should proceed into the long run — at the same time as we take inspiration now from Chris Griffiths’ well-deserved nomination.”