Florida native is first African American woman appointed to the position.
by S. Rotan Hale
She was bold, she was inspiring and she was proud to be sworn in as Roanoke’s new director, Court Service Unit, (CSU) District 23A.Tracy L. King stood before a host of family, friends, associates and city court officials who gathered Thursday, Nov. 9 in a Roanoke District courtroom for this auspicious occasion.
During her moving induction speech, it was quite evident that King– the first African American woman chosen as CSU (District 23A) director, has the heart and soul to take on her new appointment.
The Hon. Frank W. Rogers, III, Chief Judge, District 23A Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, led the panel of three judges, that oversaw King’s official induction proceedings.
“We selected Tracy for the position because of her extensive experience in juvenile justice, her considerable collaborative involvement with community partners, her leadership skills and her vision which peaked my interest during her interview,” said Judge Rogers in opening statements.
The Hon. John Weber III, said Tracy’s compelling story of her modest journey–that has now led to her new role in criminal justice, resonated with him.
With that, Judge Weber read two appropriate quotes by the Kennedy brothers, president John and Senator Robert–two political giants who fought against the incredibly suppressive civil injustices of the 60’s.
“‘The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country –“and in this case our community”– and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire will light the world,” said Judge Weber in a slightly modified quote that spoke volumes to the ceremony’s focus.
With broad strokes the Hon. Judge Onzlee Ware spoke about Roanoke’s diversity and inclusiveness regarding housing, core services, etc.
Judge Ware, speaking from his personal experience as being the first African American to hold the position, congratulated King as the first African American woman appointed to the post.
“It’s good to be first because it shows progress,” Judge Ware said. However part of my job and your job (Tracy) is to make sure that there is a second, a third and a fourth. That’s the way you monitor how a city progresses–its not on paper, its on the hearts of the people you serve.”
Judge Ware’s unscripted remarks elevated the ceremony and captured the true essence of civil service itself.
“Collaboration with agencies and the community is very important,” he added. “If you don’t have contact with the community then you are going to do less of a job. The challenge to you is to lead and to lead from your own soul,” Judge Ware said–closing his proclamation that led to the new court director officially being sworn in by Judge Rogers.
Various stories and personal testimonies from relatives followed attesting to King as a person of sound character. Periodically she dabbed tears (as did some in the audience) while she recounted the intriguing story of her humble beginnings to the present.
King brings to her position a wealth of knowledge acquired through achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State Univ. in 1992. Furthering her studies, she earned a Master’s Degree in Public Safety/Criminal Justice from Capella Univ., Minneapolis, MN.
Her lengthy career involves a number of positions working with juvenile offenders in Florida, Texas and Virginia. Additionally she is currently a professor at Virginia State Univ.
However, what is most interesting is her pride of being a Florida migrant-worker and how she embraces the chores of her family’s agricultural endeavors. She tipped gengerly speaking of her deceased father William King who influenced her greatly and said “He was my best friend, we were inseperable.”
“Mom was more of a quiet leader,” she said of her mother, Harriett who handled the books of the produce business. The operation based in Haines City, Florida engaged in seasonal trips up and down the east coast distributing loads of various fruits harvested from the family’s land.
“My best education came as a migrant worker,” she boasted candidly. Despite her slew of lettered degrees she referred to her experiences on the farm as being the “best years and best lessons of my life.”
“I learned to communicate and appreciate the differences in myself and others,” she explained. “This led to my career wanting to help and make some positive changes. Learning to embrace and appreciate my role and the impact I had on others came from being a migrant worker,” she stated proudly through a speech deeply rooted in depth and her genuine desire to be a steward of humanity.
The three-judge panel sat proudly smiling in a glow of acceptance as the newly appointed CSU director made a stunning appearance–raising the bar in the Roanoke City Court system.