Melissa DuBose Breaks New Ground as Trailblazing Judge in Rhode Island

In a historic moment for justice and representation, Melissa DuBose has become the first Black and openly LGBTQ+ judge to serve on the US District Court in the state of Rhode Island. This significant achievement marks a step forward in diversifying the federal judiciary and brings a unique perspective to the bench.

The Historic Swearing-In

On a memorable Friday, January 3rd, 2024, Judge DuBose was officially sworn in during a private ceremony held at the federal courthouse in Providence. Surrounded by her family and esteemed colleagues, she took the oath of office, marking the beginning of her tenure as a US District Court judge. Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who presided over the ceremony, expressed his admiration for DuBose, stating, "It is my great honor to welcome Judge DuBose to the federal bench. Her extensive experience, dedication to justice, and commitment to fairness will be invaluable to our court and the legal community."

A Journey from Education to Law

Before embarking on her legal career, DuBose dedicated over a decade of her life to education, working as a teacher in Providence public schools. Her transition from teaching to law was driven by a deeply personal and transformative experience. While teaching, one of her students was charged with the murder of another teenager, a tragic event that prompted her students to seek answers about the criminal justice system. Feeling unprepared to provide the guidance they needed, DuBose decided to pursue a legal career to better advocate for her students and community.

"I felt really kind of helpless at that point," DuBose recalled in an interview. "And that was the moment where for me, it was, ‘I need to do something else to be able to be an advocate for my students in a way where they're getting good information.’ That really was the motivator."

Academic and Professional Accomplishments

Melissa DuBose hails from the Mount Hope neighborhood of Providence. She is an alumna of Providence College, where she graduated in 1990. After her initial career in education, DuBose decided to enter the field of law, driven by her desire to make a broader impact on the justice system. Her legal career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to justice and equality, which led to her nomination by President Joe Biden in January 2023.

Her nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2024, after which she promptly received her commission to serve as a judge. This remarkable journey from dedicated teacher to pioneering judge underscores her resilience and dedication to serving her community.

A Vision for Justice

As she takes on her new role, Judge DuBose brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the federal bench. Her background in education and her journey through the legal field equip her to address the complex issues facing the justice system today. She is poised to advocate for fairness and equity, ensuring that the courts serve all members of the community with integrity and respect.

The appointment of Melissa DuBose as a US District Court judge is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for many. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in all branches of government. As she begins this new chapter, Judge DuBose looks forward to bringing her thoughtful perspective and unwavering integrity to the federal judiciary, continuing her lifelong commitment to justice and advocacy.

This milestone is celebrated by many in the community and serves as a reminder of the progress still to be made in ensuring diverse voices are heard and represented within the judicial system.