Portrait honors retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris
Published 7:00 am Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris and Fifth Judicial District Chief Judge James Wiser flank the official portrait of Talton-Harris. (Photo submitted by Frank A. Davis)
Retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris gives her reflections. (Photo submitted by Frank A. Davis)
Retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris delivers remarks at the unveiling ceremony of her official portrait. (Photo submitted by Frank A. Davis)
Southampton Circuit Court Clerk Richard "Rick" L. Francis unveils the official portrait of retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris. (Photo submitted by Frank A. Davis)
Southampton Circuit Court Clerk Richard "Rick" L. Francis unveils the official portrait of retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris. (Photo submitted by Frank A. Davis)
Retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris stands with her official portrait moments after it was unveiled by Southampton Circuit Court Clerk Richard "Rick" L. Francis, right. (Photo submitted by Frank A. Davis)
Retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris gathers with her family for a photo around her official portrait at Southampton County Courthouse on Friday, Oct. 18. (Photo submitted by Frank A. Davis)
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By Almeta Davis
Contributing Writer
Courtland, VA – On Oct.18, 2024, the newly renovated Courthouse in Southampton County became the backdrop for the momentous unveiling of the official portrait of retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris. The ceremony was led by Richard “Rick” L. Francis, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Franklin City and Southampton County.
Before unveiling the portrait, Francis provided a brief oral history that highlighted the transformative journey of Southampton County, referencing the Nat Turner rebellion to illustrate significant changes over the years. This reflection set the stage for honoring Talton-Harris, who has made an indelible mark on the community and the legal profession.
Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, Talton-Harris experienced a moment of pride as she celebrated her legacy. Among those present were her husband of 50 years, Dr. Alvin Harris, their daughters Alexa Harris, PhD, and Aliste Harris-Mack, JD, as well as their two granddaughters Alaya and Alani Mack. Also present were her colleagues, that included judges, clerks of court, sorority sisters, and members of her First Baptist Church family, also gathered to honor her contributions.
Talton-Harris is celebrated not only for her groundbreaking achievements but also for her unwavering dedication to civic engagement and community service. In 1992, she became the first African American woman appointed to the bench on the Fifth Circuit Court, a landmark achievement that paved the way for future generations.
Her educational journey began at Riverview High School in Courtland, where she graduated salutatorian in 1969. She earned her B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Spelman College in 1973 and received her Juris Doctorate from American University in 1975. Talton-Harris was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1976 and the Ohio State Bar in 1978.
Her professional career has included various roles, from associate at Mason & Robinson Law Firm to assistant professor at Youngstown State University, and ultimately as a judge in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court from 1992 until her retirement in May 2016.
Talton-Harris has played an active role in numerous professional organizations, including the National Bar Association and the Old Dominion Bar Association, where she served as president from 1988 to 1990. Her civic involvement spans various boards, reflecting her commitment to improving her community.
Among her many accolades, she received the Sara J. Harper Humanitarian Award from the National Bar Association in 2020 and was named “Alumnae of the Year” by the Spelman College Alumni Association in 2014. She has also been recognized by the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for her leadership and contributions.
One of her most cherished accomplishments is completing a 26.2-mile marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in January 2004.
The unveiling of her portrait not only honors Judge Talton-Harris’s remarkable career but also serves as an inspiration for future generations, illustrating the profound impact of dedicated service to the community and the legal profession.
