Memphis Names Street After Trailblazing Federal Judge Bernice Donald

Memphis Honors Trailblazing Federal Judge Bernice Donald with New Street Name

Memphis, TN – In a heartwarming celebration of achievement and progress, the city of Memphis is set to honor the remarkable career of Judge Bernice Donald, a true pioneer in the legal field. On October 19, a section of Front Street between Poplar Avenue and Beale Street will officially be designated as “Judge Bernice Bouie Donald Street”, a fitting tribute to her legacy of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

A Life of Firsts

This recognition is just one of many accolades that Judge Donald has received throughout her inspiring journey. From being one of the first African American students to attend the newly integrated Olive Branch High School to becoming the first African American female judge in Tennessee in 1982, Judge Donald has been a trailblazer at every turn. She also made history as the first African American female bankruptcy judge, federal judge in Tennessee, and judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Reflecting on her extraordinary life, Judge Donald remarked, “I never saw that coming. I have lived a life to try and honor my parents. They always instilled in me the values of respect, hard work, and the belief that we’re as good as anyone else.” Her parents’ words resonate through her life’s work, reminding us about dignity in hard work, respect for ourselves and others, and the importance of dreaming big.

Excitement and Humility

When hearing the news about the street naming—a location that passes the Federal Court Building, University of Memphis Law School, and the Convention Center—Judge Donald expressed both excitement and surprise. “Not bad for a girl from Olive Branch,” she chuckled, reflecting on her humble beginnings. Growing up as one of ten children in a family where her father was a sharecropper and her mother worked as a domestic, she learned the importance of resilience and determination.

Lessons from Home

Judge Donald often credits her parents for the strong foundation she built upon. In a thoughtful poem entitled “Lessons from My Mother,” Judge Donald shares that her mother taught her the value of faith and tenacity. “You can’t control what people say about you,” she includes, “but you are responsible for the reputation you create.” Her mother’s advice about standing tall and persisting, regardless of circumstances, has served her well throughout her life.

Facing Challenges

Like many others, Judge Donald faced her share of challenges. She vividly remembers her first public speaking experience at school, where she was met with jeers while trying to recite a poem on stage. Although it was a humiliating moment, she took her mother’s words to heart and persevered, learning to stand on her own two feet and embrace her journey—regardless of who stood with her.

A Bright Future Ahead

Judge Donald’s academic journey was not without hurdles. After attending Olive Branch High School, where she was the only African American student to make the honor society, she navigated her way through higher education at Memphis State University. Despite the obstacles, she graduated with a degree in sociology in 1974, ultimately finding her passion in law when volunteering at Juvenile Court led her to a calling of helping children.

Legacy of Service

Throughout her illustrious career, Judge Donald has relentlessly advocated for justice, breaking ceilings and mentoring countless individuals along the way. Her contributions as a federal district court judge have shaped the legal landscape in amazing ways across a range of cases that graphed the essence of justice. Now, as she embarks on a new chapter of serving in a law firm, she continues to advocate for women’s legal rights worldwide.

Ceremony Details

The street renaming ceremony promises to be a grand event, taking place at the Renasant Convention Center in the lower ballroom at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 19. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate Judge Donald’s trailblazing journey and to inspire future visionaries.

With each new honor, Judge Donald reinforces her belief—success isn’t measured by societal standards but rather by the impact one can have on others. As this chapter unfolds, Memphis not only honors her, but also stands as a testament that through hard work, dreams can indeed come true.