Macon Magazine

48 maconmagazine.com | February/March 2026 ustice Colvin wears the title of the first African American female judge appointed by a Republican governor for Georgia's Supreme Court with pride and dignity. Initially aspiring to be a missionary, she ultimately chose a law career with a determination for a fairer world. Though this was an unexpected journey, becoming a judge has allowed her to honor her personal commitment to serving others while remaining focused on upholding the law. With the weight of the city and state on her shoulders, Justice Colvin's intentionality is sure to be a lasting part of her legacy in Macon. Being the first African American female appointment by a Republican governor really stands out. Does that make you feel any added pressure? I never think about the history of the appointment. But then, knowing that, it's not pressure – in fact, it's kind of pride. It's sad that it has taken this long to see the value of each other, regardless of what form or what shape we come in. But I'm proud that it has happened. It's the beginning of more. The way I look at it, someone has to be the first. It just ushers us in. It reminds me of the immense need for me to be excellent at what I do and to do my best to represent a community well, so that there will be others that follow me. How I perform, what I do, how people perceive me, gives others confidence in allowing other people like me to come through the throes. Because J u s t i c e V e r d a M . C o l v i n H E R O E S A M O N G U S J T h e G e o r g i a S u p r e m e C o u r t j u s t i c e d i s c u s s e s b a l a n c i n g a c c o u n t a b i l i t y w i t h c o m p a s s i o n , c h o o s i n g a l i fe o f s e r v i c e , a n d w hy M a c o n i s h e r u to p i a . STORY BY BRITTNY JOHNSON | PHOTOS BY MATT ODOM she did, they could do it well. For me, it's not pressure, because I have always tried to make sure I maintain the character, the work ethic that I think whatever position I've been in demands. What inspired you to pursue a career in law, eventually becoming a judge? I initially wanted to be a missionary, but my mom said, "They don't make any money, so you can't do that." I decided on law because I saw that kind of like a mission, to do my part and to make the world better, to make the system fairer and just. My two idols were Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesus Christ, because they had lives of service. Never, ever envisioned being a judge. My friends in high school and my ex-husband said, "Well, you know, I think you said you wanted to be a judge." I think they're making that up. I don't remember that at all! But throughout my career, I never aspired to be a judge, because I just like trying cases. I liked walking into a courtroom, and even though I am on the side of the state or the United States of America, knowing that I was being fair to people and treating people fairly. When Michael Moore, the US Attorney for the Middle District, walked in and asked me to allow him to nominate me, it was kind of a shocker. It was nothing I aspired to do, and maybe that's what's made me effective, because it wasn't me trying to climb a ladder. I'm very spiritual… My mom put me in private, religious school when I was little, so I drank the Kool Aid. I immersed in it. My thought is, it's really not about us... whatever God has for you, is for you. You don't have to toil and claw at trying to get somewhere. Just do the work and be excellent in the work you do, and whatever's meant for you won't get by you. How did you land in Macon? I had interviewed for a slot in the US Attorney's office in Atlanta, and I had interviewed with their civil chief. One of my mentors was Judge Clarence Cooper, who served on the federal court in Atlanta… I was waiting for the next position to come up. Then, my understanding is Beverly Martin, who was the US Attorney at the time in the Middle District here in Macon, called Rick Deane, who was in Atlanta, and said, "Who have you all interviewed that looks promising?" I said no, of course not. But—and that's another thing about people—we can't be so wedded to places and locations that we're unwilling to grow… I came to Macon, interviewed with her. I really thought it was cool that she was a female US Attorney at the time. She had a deputy criminal chief who was also female. I thought I'd come to Macon and leave a er a couple of years and go back to Atlanta, because I'm born and raised in Atlanta. I got to Macon and thought, oh my God, this is utopia. I can get anywhere I want to get in 20 minutes or less. I can pick up my son on time. This is great. Then, as I stayed here, I got the feel that

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