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Marion County court history: Three Black judges sworn in virtually

The pandemic forced Marion County Courts to go virtual for its swearing-in of retained judges and three new judges this year.

INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time in Marion County Court history, three Black judges have been appointed at once, and their swearing in is a first of it's kind, too.  

Marion County Presiding Judge Heather Welch conducted their first-ever virtual swearing in.

"I will support the constitution of the United States," said Welch, with the judges repeating the oath.

The pandemic forced Marion County courts to go virtual for its swearing-in of retained judges and three new judges this year.

In a historic move, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb appointed three Black judges to the bench at the same time, Marshelle Broadwell, Ryan Gardner and Geoffrey Gaither.

"I was so excited, Broadwell said. "I was out for a walk with my husband and I got the phone call and as soon as looked down at the phone I knew it was the governor, so I knew what that meant."

"The first thing that went through my mind was 'praise God,'" said Gardner.

"I usually don't answer my phone for numbers I don't recognize," Gaither said. "It took a few minutes for me to realize, oh, this is the Governor. Dude, you can't just call me and say, This is Eric. It's not like we boys. I mean, You are the governor."

The appointments come in a year that has seen the highest number of homicides ever in Marion County. 

During the swearing-in, fellow judges gave accolades and talked about the tough job ahead.

"I don't know anybody that brings a more unique perspective to things than Marshelle Broadwell," said Judge James Osborn.  

Welch asked Judge Mark Jones to make comments about appointee Ryan Gardner.  

"He is a great human being, a man of faith and a family man," Jones said. 

Judge Marilyn Moores, a history-maker herself, offered comments about her successor. 

"If I was the engine, then Geoffrey was the heart and soul. I was the first woman juvenile judge and Geoffrey will be the first African American," Moores said. "You can't do too bad with two firsts."

The three talked not only about the support from family, but also a promise about their courtrooms.

"I will be diligent to make sure I review everything so that I can make an informed decision," Gardner said. "I will never treat anybody disrespectfully."

The new judges start their juvenile and family court appointments on Jan. 1, 2021.  

RETIRING JUDGES

During Monday's virtual swearing-in, the largest-attended webinar ever for Marion County courts, four Marion County retiring judges also received recognition. 

Colleagues thanked retiring judges Marilyn Moores, Barbara Crawford, David Dryer and Judge Lisa Borges, whose replacement has not yet been named. 

Their official retirement date is Dec. 31, 2020. 

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