She Makes Bench Marks

Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer Video by Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER Bunmi Awoniyi’s office exudes creativity and warmth the moment one steps inside. Sunlight streams through expansive windows overlooking the city, casting a glow on personal touches like family photographs, vibrant paintings, and cultural artifacts.& If not for the meticulously arranged judicial books, the distinctive white wig worn during her time as a barrister in London, and a judicial robe bearing the words “Bunmi Awoniyi,” one could almost forget being on the sixth floor of the Sacramento County Superior Court, where Awoniyi is making history for the second time. In January, Judge Bunmi Awoniyi reached a groundbreaking milestone as the first Black presiding judge of the Sacramento Superior Court. This came more than 10 years after she made history as the first Nigerian appointed to any California court. Sacramento County Superior Court’s first Black Presiding Judge, Bunmi Awoniyi, presides over motions and compassionate hearing. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER Since it was established in 1850, the Sacramento Superior Court had never had a Black person serve as presiding judge, the individual responsible for overseeing the court’s operations. The presiding judge occupies a crucial position,& managing the caseload, upholding order, and...