Pamela Scott Washington facts for kids

Pamela Scott Washington is an important American judge. She made history in Alaska by becoming the first Black woman and the second Black person to serve as a judge there. She was born around 1962.

Her Early Life and Education

Pamela Washington was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She also lived for a while in Jackson, Mississippi when she was a child. In 1975, when she was in 8th grade, her family moved to Anchorage, Alaska. She went to Clark Middle School for one year. After that, her family moved to Eagle River, Anchorage.

Pamela graduated from Chugiak High School in Chugiak, Alaska in 1980. She was the only Black girl in her class at the time.

She continued her education at Northern Arizona University. In 1984, she earned a degree in telecommunications. Later, she went to law school at Arizona State University College of Law. She earned her law degree in 1991.

Her Career as a Lawyer and Judge

After finishing law school, Pamela Washington returned to Alaska. She worked for the Public Defender Agency and for a judge named John Reese. For the next 13 years, Pamela worked as a private lawyer. She helped people with family issues, job problems, and personal injuries. She also defended people in criminal cases. Often, she was the only Black lawyer in the courthouse.

In 2006, she started working as a prosecutor for the Municipality of Anchorage. Her job was to help people who had experienced domestic violence. This meant she worked to protect people who were hurt at home.

On August 9, 2010, Governor Sean Parnell chose Pamela Washington to become a judge. She officially started her role as a judge on November 5, 2010. Before becoming a judge, in the spring of 2010, she also taught classes at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Helping Her Community

Pamela Washington has always been active in her community. She worked with the Anchorage Youth Court, which helps young people learn about the justice system. She also served with groups like the NAACP, which works for civil rights.

She has been a leader for women at Faith Christian Community. She also helped mentor young people in the Alaska Court System's Color of Justice program. This program encourages diverse students to consider careers in law. Pamela has also been involved with many other community groups. These include the Anchorage East Rotary, United Way, and programs that help children and young adults.

Pamela Washington was also the president of the Alaska chapter of the National Association of Women Judges. This group supports women judges across the country.

See also

• List of first women lawyers and judges in Alaska