17th Annual Rosa Parks Women of Courage Breakfast honors three women in law

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)— Monday morning, hundreds of women and community members joined together for the 17^th Annual Rosa Parks Women of Courage Breakfast.

Each year to kick off Women’s History Month, Sisters Inc. in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha hosts this event to honor courageous women and raise funds for scholarships to be given to students within the tri-communities. To date, the Women of Courage Breakfast has raised $650,000 in scholarship funds.

“As we pause during this Woman History Month to recognize phenomenal women in our community, let us not forget the challenges that the women face every day,” Sisters Inc. President, Dr. Chasity Reese, said to attendees. “Let’s not forget that women still make less money than a man for doing the same job. Let’s not forget that black women are three times likely than white women to die simply trying to give birth. Let’s not forget that little girls of color are targeted every day with this ever-growing human trafficking problem.”

The theme of this year’s breakfast: Honoring Women in Law. Justice Verda Colvin of the Supreme Court of Georgia served as the keynote speaker. In her opening remarks, Justice Colvin paused to remember the legacy left behind by Civil Rights icon, Rosa Parks.

“When we think of courage, we think of sacrifice and unrelenting persistence. Courage was most exemplified in a 42-year-old, five-foot three-inch person whose high school career was suspended to support the family, only later to be encouraged to complete high school while working as a seamstress in a department store. This courageous person whom this breakfast truly honors is none other than Rosa Parks,” Justice Colvin said. “The statement she made regarding her decision to maintain her seat on a segregated bus says everything about courage. She said, ‘The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.’ She went on to say, ‘You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right, as each person must live their life as a model for others.'”

She went on to say women in the law demonstrate courage as Rosa Parks once did every day.

“Women in our profession had no choice but to be courageous. For Margaret Brent, the first woman to become a lawyer in 1648, to Arabella Mansfield, the first woman to be admitted to a state bar in 1869, women have been courageous, fearless and daring.”

Justice Colvin highlights the importance of woman joining the legal profession as only 39% of the profession is made up by women. She also explained why each of this year’s nominees were selected.

Danielle Forté, Muscogee County Clerk of Superior and State Courts

“Danielle Forté, Clerk of Superior and State Court, demonstrated courage by not simply waiting to be called to serve, but instead making the call to serve by running for the position of Muscogee County Clerk of Superior and State Courts,” Justice Colvin said. “This courageous spirit propelled her to execute programs and educational opportunities within the Columbus community to ensure that the clerk’s office was user friendly and staffed with employees who provide exceptional customer service.”

Forté says she was shocked and overwhelmed with humility upon learning she had been selected for the award. She tells WRBL her fight with breast cancer inspired her to go above and beyond in her professional life.

“I am a breast cancer survivor. I rang the bell, so am now cancer free. It also provided new outlook in life, and within the work force, sometimes you have to dig deep within in order to persevere and move forward,” Forté said. “So as an elected official, it has motivated me to provide more services and do a lot more with our community outreach which I am very excited about.”

Forté has hosted seminars and programs for the public covering a variety of topics including Notary Public Training, eFile and User Training, constituents meet and greets, and criminal history summits. She also started a monthly series called the Forté Community Outreach Program.

Judge Susan Henderson, Muscogee County Recorder’s Court

“It is said that courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. That is exactly what Judge Susan Henderson did. She showed up to meet a need within the Columbus community. She previously served law students. She prosecuted misdemeanors and felonies and practiced in the private sector, even serving once as county attorney,” Justice Colvin shared. “But she showed up and offered herself for service as a judge and Recorder’s Court where she conducts initial appearances for criminal offenses. Perseverance, talent, and commitment to excellence explains the reason why she’s here today receiving this award.”

Judge Henderson says it is an incredible honor to receive the award, especially amongst the company of her fellow nominees. When reflecting on the message of Justice Colvin, Judge Henderson shares the importance of women joining the law field.

“I’ve been doing this, as I’ve said, for 25 years, and it’s really been wonderful to see the numbers of women practicing grow exponentially in our community, and it’s a very important role that they play,” Judge Henderson said. “Obviously, we bring in a whole new set of ideas, experiences and work ethic and I think that we need more women lawyers in our community.”

Judge Henderson was appointed to her current role just over a year ago in Feb. of 2023. Prior, she specialized in prosecuting crimes against children. She reminds those interested in entering the legal field; it is hard but fulfilling work.

LaRae Dixon Moore, Attorney & Shareholder, Page Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker, & Ford, PC

“The third recipient I know personally, I can attest that her authentic spirit and commitment to professional service is unmatched. She is Attorney LaRae Dixon Moore,” Justice Colvin said. “Before Attorney Moore’s private practice with Paige Scrantom, one of the largest and oldest firms in the Western part of Georgia. She engaged in public service with the Columbus District Attorney’s Office and as an assistant federal defender, all while serving the state bar and the Columbus community at large, including service as the president of the Columbus Chapter of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers. She clearly understands that leaders serve, which is exemplified in her service as board chairperson for the American Red Cross. This understanding of servant leadership has elevated her professionally and personally.”

Attorney Moore shared with WRBL she has attended this breakfast annually, and always looks forward to hearing the honoree’s stories. She said she is humbled and honored to be recognized as one of the great women of Columbus.

To other women entering any male dominated work force, she shares the following advice.

“You got to stay the course, you’ve got to be persistent, you’ve got to be courageous to stay in the room even though you might be the only woman in the room, or you might be the only girl in the room,” Attorney Moore said. “You have to trust your gut, trust your intuition, and follow their passion, and just know that if you have a burning desire and passion inside of you that’s for a reason and you have to follow that even in a male-dominated industry.”

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