By LAHNA WALL
Beakon Staff Writer
YOUNGSTOWN — “I made time to be here today—because you matter.”
With those words, Judge Carla J. Baldwin, the first African American woman elected as a judge in Mahoning County, commanded the attention of Cardinal Mooney High School students Wednesday.
Baldwin, who has served as Youngstown Municipal Court’s presiding judge since 2018, urged students to honor their past while embracing their future.
“My grandfather grew up without a voice,” she said. “So I have made it my mission to honor the legacy of my grandparents—born and raised in the Deep South at a time of deep hate—by living a life that reflects light and love. Because I love people.”
Speaking as a featured guest for Black History Month, Baldwin captivated students with her personal journey, highlighting figures who shaped her path: her husband, Brandon; her judicial hero, the late Judge Nathaniel R. Jones; and her quiet yet steadfast grandfather.
Before wrapping up, she fielded student questions, sharing insights on resilience, leadership, and the power of using one’s voice.
