Georgia Historical Society hosts former Georgia Supreme Court Justice

On Thursday, Sept. 2, at the Lucas Theatre, Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson opened "An Evening with Former Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears." Senior historian of the Georgia Historical Society Stan Deaton conducted an interview-style presentation with Sears. Members of the GHS called Sears a "history maker" in Georgia and were very proud to have her back in her hometown. Sears was the first woman and youngest person to serve on the Georgia Supreme Court. She was also the first female African-American chief justice in the United States. Sears holds degrees from Cornell University, Emory University, Morehouse College, Clark-Atlanta University, LaGrange College, Piedmont College and Spelman College. Sears retired from the Georgia Supreme Court in 2009 and now practices law in Atlanta. She currently serves as the visiting professor at the University of Georgia School of Law and the Institute for American Values. Sears was nominated twice for President Obama's short list of nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court. She said that being on the list was an honor. She said that being nominated was a "great journey, but it hurts a little when it's not my name being called." While the recognition of the president affected Sears, she stressed the importance of judges not being a part of public politics. Many positions in the judiciary system are appointed, so she said that judges are accountable to the law but not public opinion. Sears said she did not become a judge to be recognized. She said that she was driven to become a judge because of racism and sexism. "I had something to fight about that angered me," she said. Sears said that racism gave her drive from an early age. "Savannah was a very segregated place in 1967 when I was growing up here," she said. "I remember my father going for a haircut and being turned down. It created the goals I have. It burned a fire in me. "I was going to be dedicated, I was going to speak." While in high school, Sears received pamphlets from Harvard University and looked intently at the photos of the graduating classes. She noticed something about those graduating classes – there were no women in the pictures. After that, she strove to become one of those graduates. Sears stressed her own education as a major factor in her success and said that a good early education is necessary. "The best preparation is training and discipline in childhood, having the right character traits that you maybe even inherit," she said. For Sears, education was even a part of her vision of her own job. "As a chief justice, you manage the court system," she said. "Then you stay out and educate people doing shows like this." Sears went on to talk about the drive that young people need in order to pursue their goals. She also stated the importance of standards and expectations. Sears claimed that it is not unreasonable to place these on young people to ensure their success. Sears said young people should follow their passions. "Do what lights you up ... you will shoot out," she said.