“I want to spread this message around the world- that it is by your own merit, not the color of your skin that someone should judge you by” noted Judge Arthur Burnett. Youth In Politics, a youth advocacy and education organization, interviewed the Honorable Judge Arthur Burnett to learn about his life and his impact, not just on the legal system of D.C., but of America as a whole. Youth In Politics partnered with Global Youth Justice to learn about one of their most notable founding members and gain insight into Judge Burnett's life and his impact on Global Youth Justice, and his calls for equality and inclusion were inspiring
Studying at Howard University in 1952, Judge Burnett defied the social norms of the time and decided to pursue higher education. He notes his drive to excel and the importance good grades had on his career. Judge Burnett’s academic record allowed him to gain national recognition from leaders such as Thurgood Marshall. In October of 1954 he become the lead plaintiff in Brown v. Board of Education pushing Virginia to comply with the end of segregation in schools. Although there were serious safety concerns, Judge Burnett never let the fear stop him from making an impact on the U.S. He studied law at New York University, where NYU paid him full-time to be a faculty assistant. He was one of two African Americans in his graduating class, but never let that stop him from achieving high-level academic achievement. He went on to work for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and was the fourth black lawyer to be hired in 1955. Burnett eventually was drafted to the military and applied to the army commission serving a two-year tour in California as a Chief Specialist Administrative Clerk. He eventually resigned from the army when he was appointed to the U.S. Magistrate. He served with Bobby Kennedy as his special assistant and monitored the Martin Luther King Situation from 1961-1965, being an undercover agent during MLKs I Have A Dream Speech. After the JFK assassination, he became an assistant US Attorney. In 1969 he was the first African American to be appointed US Magistrate. The extent of Judge Burnett’s fighting spirit, strive of academic achievement, and willingness to educate and inspire our younger generations in undeniable. However, his accomplishments lie far beyond a title. The real-world impact he has had on the community continues to positively impact newer generations. Judge Burnett met Scott Peterson at the US Department of Justice Grants for Youth, and help found Global Youth Justice, an organization that helps juveniles with non-violent offenses receive shorter sentences. Judge Burnett was appointed Vice President for the organization and has been working with the organization since the 1990s where he used his legal knowledge to be an advisor which helped start the organization. Global Youth Justice has expanded rapidly, creating a teen-led court system where teenagers interested in the legal system can be a part of the trial, not just educating themselves on how the legal process works, but also helping a fellow juvenile receive a more reflective sentence. The program has over 2,000 youth volunteers and is present in 40 tribes and 11 countries globally. Global Youth Justice is the embodiment both of Judge Burnett’s commitment to helping the next generation of lawyers and leaders, but also showcases his immense heart and dedication toward excellence in everything he does. Not only his Judge Burnett a crucial founding member of Global Youth Justice, but is also a piece of history that reflects the success one can have with dedication and a drive to define your own future.
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