The Supreme Court of Ohio celebrated “A Century of Black History Commemorations” during its annual Black History Month Program.

The event highlighted the achievements of notable Black Ohioans in the legal sphere while inspiring future generations of leaders.

“This year’s national theme invites us to reflect on the history and significance of how Black history has been celebrated, studied, and commemorated over the past 100 years and reminds us of the enduring importance of honoring the contributions and legacies of Black Americans,” said Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy.

Tammy R. Bennett, Executive Director of the Law and Leadership Institute, delivered the keynote address to 100 Cristo Rey Columbus High School juniors, among other guests. Cristo Rey senior and intern at the Supreme Court, Maleigha Amar, emceed the event.

With more than two decades of experience as an employment attorney and educator, Bennett shared the remarkable stories of Black women who trailblazed the legal field in Ohio.

“A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of touring the Women in Law exhibit that is here in this building. I moved slowly, letting each moment sink in,” said Bennett. “Each name, each photograph, each story spoke of women who broke barriers, shaped history, and transformed Ohio’s legal landscape.”

Bennett explained that some of the women honored in the exhibit faced double barriers en route to their achievements. The obstacles, she said, were shaped by both race and gender.

“Today, I am privileged to recognize three of these women and to share their contributions to the legal profession and beyond: Daisy Perkins, Retired Justice Yvette McGee Brown, and Retired Justice Melody Stewart,” said Bennett.

Perkins, who was born in Ohio in 1877, dreamed of becoming a lawyer to serve her community. Despite facing setbacks, Perkins went on to become the first Black woman admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1919.

Nearly a half-century later, Yvette McGee Brown was born in Columbus to a teenage, single mother. She became a first-generation college student and earned her law degree in 1985. In 2011, she became the first Black woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Retired Justice Melody Stewart, born in Cleveland, spent the beginning of her professional career in music and teaching before pursuing law. She overcame her own obstacles along the way before becoming the first Black woman elected to the Supreme Court. She was sworn into office in 2019, 100 years after Perkins was admitted to the bar.

“Each journey was unique. Each achievement is remarkable. Yet each is bound by a common thread: the courage to step forward, the resilience to keep moving, and the perseverance to make a difference,” said Bennett.

Nigel Yorke, a junior at Cristo Rey, was inspired by the stories of perseverance and resilience.

“Just hearing how they overcame so much adversity really gives me hope that I can do something like that one day,” said Yorke.

The Law and Leadership Institute is dedicated to helping students overcome their own barriers and find success.

“The institute is a remarkable nonprofit organization in Ohio that works with high school students from underserved communities, preparing them for careers in the legal profession,” said Chief Justice Kennedy.

It began in 2008 as a summer initiative of the Supreme Court. Starting with 40 participants, the institute has since grown into a statewide initiative supported by all nine law schools in Ohio, the Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Supreme Court, and many others.

“We believe talent is universal, even when opportunity is not. We believe brilliance lives in every classroom, every neighborhood, and every zip code,” said Bennett. “And because of partners like this Court, we turn courage into curriculum, resilience into resources, and perseverance into pathways for students across Ohio.”