Shequeena McKenzie, age 28, was appointed McComb, Mississippi’s first African-American judge.
Because of her diligence and trust, McKenzie said, “It was a surreal moment. The next thing you know, you start reaping the rewards of the things you have invested in. For me, it was undoubtedly a moment of full circle.”
McKenzie, a native of McComb, has always aspired to practice law and make a difference. She enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi to study political science with a minor in human rights.
She later relocated to Jackson and enrolled at Mississippi College School of Law, where she finished with a Cum Laude and a law degree. She also worked as a part-time attorney at that time.
McKenzie stated, “I went into law because I didn’t want to talk about what wasn’t being done; I didn’t want to sit there and linger on the negativity. I thought, “What can I do to better the world?”
Vice President Kamala Harris also created history as the first female and first black vice president of the United States. McKenzie claimed that she was an inspiration to her. She also wants to inspire other young women.
“Do not let that hinder your abilities,” McKenzie advised. “There will be occasions when you go into the room, and no one else looks like you. You have a place in there. You have a right to be there. You have to develop this mindset. When you adopt that attitude, do not let anyone hold you back.”
