Former Texas Judge, Alice A. Bonner joins host Brenda Teele to talk about how she became the first African American female state judge in Harris County, Texas.  Walk and listen as Judge Bonner tells her story of determination to become a lawyer and what it took to win her first election in 1978.

She shares how most young girls were encouraged to pursue careers as a secretary or a nurse, but seeing peace protests and sit-ins during the early 60’s increased her desire to help uphold the law. She quickly found there were few opportunities for employment for Black attorneys.

Judge Bonner maintains her private practice as an Attorney, Mediator, and Arbitrator.  She is a charter member of the National Women of Achievement, Inc.- Houston Chapter.

“We can’t let our citizenry down because they’re poor, uneducated and have no hope.” – Alice Bonner

Tune in and walk with ME as the Honorable, Alice Bonner narrates why people should not give up their hope and dreams despite feeling or being discouraged.

Timestamps:

01:30: Who is Judge Alice Bonner? – Her upbringing in Slidell, Louisiana, becoming fascinated with idea of one day being a lawyer.

06:30: Speed walk with some arm work.

09:50: Judge Bonner’s first appointment as judge and the hard fought election.

08:14: Operation Bridge the Gap – Hosting a Christmas party for the homeless

15:10: Second set – Speed walk with some arm work.

19:00: Balancing a career with motherhood.

23:51: Our last speed walk.

27:46: Encouragement to not give up hope.

29:25: Word of the week.

29:05: “I have to keep having hope in the people of America that we’ve got to be better people.”

 Key Takeaways

• Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t become.
• Even with the odds are stacked against you, you can still win.
• Judge Bonner’s determination opened the door for other African American female lawyers.