In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Honorable Retired Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris will speak about her role and challenges in women’s history.

Alfreda Talton-Harris became the first African American and the first female to open a law office in March 1985 to serve the City of Franklin and Southampton County, Virginia, historically known as the location of the Nat Turner Rebellion. In 1992, she was sworn in as the first African American and the first female judge to serve the Fifth Judicial District, serving the City of Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, City of Franklin, and Southampton County. Upon retiring on March 31, 2016, she was still the only female judge serving on the bench in the Fifth Judicial District of Virginia. This pioneer also became the first African American female to be appointed to the 182-year old Virginia Military Institute Board.