IDS wishes to acknowledge that Dawn Baxton, the Chief Public Defender for Defender District 14, was one of two distinguished honorees at this year’s Annual Scholarship and Recognition Banquet of the George H. White Bar Association.
On November 10, at the South Square Event Center in Durham, the George H. White Bar Association presented scholarships to deserving NCCU School of Law students, including the recipient of the C.C. “Buddy” Malone Scholarship for Trial Advocacy. In addition, the association recognized Baxton and Delores Benton Evans, a retired attorney at law who served locally.
The Scholarship and Honoree Banquet Committee Co-Chairs this year were Attorney Whitney S. McCrea and the Honorable Judge Dorothy Hairston Mitchell. A joint statement from the two of them read in part:
“Each year, we recognize local attorneys who have made significant contributions to both the legal and broader communities by advancing our mission … Chief Public Defender Baxton was chosen for her unwavering commitment to our organization’s mission. She has been a dedicated member for over 20 years, providing exceptional service and leadership … Chief Baxton has made a lifelong career choice to serve as a public defender, representing indigent and often voiceless individuals in Durham County. Her commitment to this role is commendable, and she approaches it with great care and sensitivity. As an attorney and advocate, she excels in all aspects of her work, and we are extremely proud of her.”
In her acceptance remarks, Chief Baxton shared how much the community means to her and what an honor it is to serve the areas in community that mean so much to her. She said this recognition will always be one of the greatest moments of her life.
Chief Baxton gave honor to “the four angels” that God placed in her life to “help her develop into the woman she is today.” She named her grandparents who raised her, and her Aunt Virginia and Uncle Lee.
“It is from them I learned the three principles that have guided me throughout my entire life: (1) engage in acts of charity without expecting anything in return and without a hidden agenda; (2) never allow my character or my morals to be for sale; (3) trust that God always has my back and will see me through any storm that may be coming my way,” she said. “Thank you for this honor. There is no greater an honor than being recognized by such an esteemed group of colleagues.”
More about the George H. White Bar Association: The George H. White Bar Association is an organization founded in Durham County, North Carolina, in 1962 by African-American attorneys in reverence and recognition of Congressman George H. White. Our organization has a strong commitment to promoting the work and legacy of George H. White who was a spokesman for justice. Throughout the year, we participate in various service activities, donating both our time and resources to enrich the Durham community.