Story compiled by Speakin’ Out News
Madison County District Judge Martha Lynn Sherrod is the FIRST African-American Judge with a portrait in the Madison County Courthouse. The unveiling was Monday, October 28th with a reception, at the Weeden House, immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Greater Huntsville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated served as lead hostesses for reception.
“It was an honor to join Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth this week for a portrait unveiling for Madison County District Judge Martha Lynn Sherrod”, said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. He continued, “she was the first African American elected county-wide in Madison County and she started Alabama’s first drug court, improving the lives of countless Alabamians.”
Judge Sherrod has been a Madison County District Judge since 1999 and was the first person of African-American to win an at-large election in Madison County. Judge Sherrod developed and presides over the Madison County first Drug Courts.
Prior to serving as a district judge, she was appointed Municipal Court Judge by the Huntsville City Council in 1997, becoming the Presiding Judge of that court in 1998. She engaged in the private practice of law and also served as an assistant district attorney in Madison County from 1989 until her appointment to the bench.
During her years with the D.A., she served as the Division Chief for Child Support from 1993 to 1997.
Judge Sherrod received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University in Nashville and her Juris Doctor from the University of Houston and University of Alabama, School of Law. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Alabama A & M University, is a member of the Alabama Bar Association, Alabama Lawyers Association (President 1991-1992), the National Bar Association (Chair-Elect of Judicial Council), and the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association.
Judge Sherrod is also the recipient of many honors and awards, including the Southeastern Conference Hall of Fame of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Martin Luther King Award from the Greater Huntsville Interdenominational Fellowship, and the Professional Leadership Award from the Society of Professional Women.
