Association of African American California Judicial Officers, Inc.
AAACJO's Judge Rupert Byrdsong

The Honorable Rupert Byrdsong appeared in the April 2018 edition of the United States Bankruptcy Court’s Full Court Press for his participation in the Riverside Division’s African American Heritage Month celebration. Specifically, Judge Byrdsong served as a keynote speaker and shared his background on his upbringing and his journey to the bench. He also presented a comprehensive discussion of the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision, the opinion of Roger Taney, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and their impact both then and now in shaping opinions of African Americans.
(From left to right): Everett Green, Trial Attorney, United States Department of Justice; Melissa English, Operations Supervisor for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in Riverside; Yvonne Carter, Deputy Clerk to the Honorable Wayne Johnson, US Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in Riverside; and Judge Rupert Byrdsong, Superior Court Judge.
Judge Byrdsong also served as the keynote speaker on April 11, 2018 at the Seventh Annual Diversity Leadership Summit hosted by the Foundation for Advocacy Inclusion & Resources and by the California Employment Lawyers Association. The event was held at Southwestern Law School. Great work, Judge Byrdsong!
Congratulations to Judge John Meigs!
The Honorable John Meigs will be honored on June 2, 2018 by the Bridge Builders Foundation’s annual Salute and Scholarship Program Banquet at the Doubletree by Hilton-Torrance South Bay Hotel. The Salute recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in outstanding community service. Congratulations, Judge Meigs!
Save the Date for . . .

Juneteenth in Sacramento

On Monday, June 11, 2018 , a delegation of African-American Judicial officers will join the California Legislative Black Caucus for their Juneteenth recognition. Last year, 43 judicial officers attended. This year, we are hoping to double that number. The goal is to continue to build and maintain a strong relationship with our legislative partners.

Details of the day will be finalized soon, but our hope is that we will begin the day with a reception with the members of the Caucus around 11:00 a.m. Afterward, we will visit both the Assembly and the Senate, and then take our group picture on the Senate floor. Everything should be concluded by 3:00 p.m.

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Judge Michael D. Carter at MDCarter@lacourt.org by June 4th. Judge Carter will prepare a list of attendees to forward to the Caucus.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Sacramento on June 11th!
Speak With Members of the California Supreme Court
Memories of Annual Judicial Dinner

Members of AAACJO attended the Annual Dinner Meeting of the Black Federal and State Judicial Officers held by the California Association of Black Lawyers on March 29, 2018 at the Rio Hondo Country Club. To memorialize the event, AAACJO members posed for a group photo, and enjoyed the evening with others committed to changing the face of the judiciary.
Reflections of AAACJO President Bobbi Tillmon

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of our country’s most well-known moral leaders and civil rights activists. He talked about what was right and just. He talked about what was possible. April 4, 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of his death. As the VII Pillar of Being a Judge by Judge David Rothman suggests, let us be courageous in doing the right thing.
In Other News . . .

AAACJO's Bylaws Pass!  

On March 27, 2018, President Bobbi Tillmon emailed proposed AAACJO Bylaws to the membership with a request to accept or reject the proposed Bylaws by April 10, 2018. The voting members unanimously passed the Bylaws. 
Job Announcement

The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of two full-time United States Magistrate Judges for the Southern District of California. These positions will be based primarily in San Diego, California.
The present annual salary of the position is $191,360, subject to periodic cost of living adjustments if authorized by law. The appointment is for a term of eight (8) years.

A full public notice for the Magistrate Judge position is posted in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court at 333 West Broadway, Suite 420, San Diego, CA 92101. The notice is available on the Court's Website: www.casd.uscourts.gov.

An original and eleven (11) copies of the application must be received no later than May 18, 2018. Applications must be submitted only by applicants personally and should be addressed to John Morrill, Clerk of Court, United States District Court, 333 West Broadway, Suite 420, San Diego, CA 92101. Applications may also be delivered to 333 West Broadway, Suite 420, San Diego, CA 92101. Packages enclosing the application must be marked "Magistrate Judge Application."
Future Fun!
Please Share

Should you discover information concerning the achievements, recognition, or milestones of any AAACJO member, please share the news with President Bobbi Tillmon or Secretary Carla L. Garrett, so that we can include the news in upcoming AAACJO newsletters.  
Association of African American California Judicial Officers, Inc.