Four former roommates from North Carolina Central University’s Law School, an HBCU, have all achieved impressive careers as judges. Starting as classmates in a dorm room 26 years ago, Judge Shamieka Rhinehart, Judge Camille Banks-Prince, Judge Keisha Wright-Hill, and Judge Teresa Raquel Robinson-Freeman have turned their friendship and shared experiences into successful judicial careers.
The group first bonded during freshman orientation in August 1998. “We became fast friends very early,” Bank-Prince told ABC11.
From late-night study sessions to cooking meals in the microwave and watching marathons of ‘The Golden Girls,’ their friendship grew strong. They even took an online quiz to match themselves with ‘The Golden Girls’ characters.
They all aspired to succeed in law but never expected to become judges. Rhinehart said, “We just wanted to get through law school.”
Their support for each other extended through both highs and lows. When Wright-Hill faced her father’s death and briefly left school, her friends urged her to return.
“Because of them I’m here today, not just as an attorney, but as a judge,” said Wright-Hill.
Wright-Hill now sees firsthand the impact of diversity in the courtroom. She recalls a child’s surprise at seeing a Black judge for the first time. Robinson-Freeman also emphasizes the importance of diversity in age, thought, and experience on the bench.
“It is equally important to have diversity of age which we are all younger in our careers, but also diversity of thought process and background and experiences,” said Robinson-Freeman.
The judges all credit NCCU Law for their success and stress the value of HBCUs in providing opportunities for people of color.
“The power of HBCUs and making sure individuals that look like us have a seat at the table for education. Think about how awesome this is,” said Rhinehart.
They also juggle their careers with family life, collectively raising 10 children and balancing the stress of their roles with prayer, exercise, and giving back to their university.
