Lawson State Community College's adult education students recently welcomed a powerful guest speaker: 10th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Lynneice O. Washington, the first Black woman to hold the position of district attorney in the state of Alabama.
Ms. Washington's visit was part of the college's Adult Education Speaker Series, hosted by adult education instructor (and fellow law school classmate) Ricky Lee. Her time with students was filled with personal stories, hard-earned wisdom, and a call to action for adult learners to embrace integrity, purpose, and the power of second chances.
"My mother had a sixth-grade education, my father an eighth-grade education," she said, as she shared her modest upbringing. "Mom worked three days a week cleaning homes. Dad drove a forklift and was a preacher. They taught me through their actions, not just their words."
She recalled childhood summers spent accompanying her mother to work, where she learned quiet discipline and moral lessons. "I had to bring a book and sit on the couch. I had to be quiet and read," she said. "My mother always advised, 'get your education.' "
As a child, she knew she wanted a career in law. She earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Auburn University and her Juris Doctorate from Miles College Law School.
She began her professional career as a General Law Practitioner and later became a prosecutor with the Bessemer District Attorney's Office. Next, she was appointed as Presiding Judge over the Bessemer Municipal Court, followed by work as an Appellate Prosecutor for Irondale Municipal Court and hearing officer for the Jefferson County Personnel Board.
The district attorney, who was elected in November 2016 and serves the regional area known as the Bessemer Cutoff, emphasized the importance of character, integrity, and leadership---values she said are sometimes missing today.
Ms. Washington's work as district attorney bears historical significance, Mr. Lee said before introducing her to the adult education students.
"In 1957, Caliph Washington, a Black man from Bessemer, AL., home on military leave, was falsely accused of killing a White policeman. He was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death," Mr. Lee said, holding up a copy of the 2017 book, "He Calls Me by Lightning: The Life of Caliph Washington and the forgotten Saga of Jim Crow, Southern Justice, and the Death Penalty."
The young man spent the next 13 years on death row, and although he was released in 1972, the conviction was never overturned, said Mr. Lee, who met the former inmate years later when they worked at a Birmingham television station---Mr. Lee as a journalist and Mr. Washington as a janitor.
"Several decades later, Ms. Lynneice Washington (no relation) became the first black woman in the state of Alabama to serve as District Attorney, right here in Bessemer, in the 10th Judicial Circuit, Jefferson County," Mr. Lee added. "I hope this fact isn't lost on our students. The same judicial system which stole 13 years from Caliph Washington is living proof that time and providence can overcome the darkest of histories."
The Bessemer native also spoke about her passion projects, including the Conviction Integrity Unit, the West Jefferson Helping Families Initiative, and her Second Chance Job Fair effort, now in its seventh year.
"I believe in second chances," she said. "Just because you have a marijuana conviction doesn't mean you can't vote or get a job. But it does make things difficult. That's why we bring employers face-to-face with people who deserve another chance."
Her message resonated with adult education students like Tyran McMillon, who left high school before graduating. He told Ms. Washington that his goal is to earn a diploma, enter the college's cosmetology program, and open a barber shop.
Smiling, Ms. Washington encouraged him and others to take ownership of their futures. "Your zip code does not determine your success," she said. "That's on you. The decision is yours."
Know someone interested in taking a step toward new skills, a high school diploma, or better employment opportunities? That's what our studentfocused adult education programs at Lawson State are all about! Learn more on our adult education webpage.
