Episode 45: “It’s Easier for Institutions to Pivot” with Guest Aminah Thompson

Episode 45: “It’s Easier for Institutions to Pivot” with Guest Aminah Thompson

We’re excited to welcome you back to the podcast! This time we are joined by Aminah Thompson - who will become the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court in December - to have a conversation around the institution of the judicial system and those who work within it. Aminah tells us about her family background, the importance of education and civil rights to her parents, and how she hopes to carry on that legacy as she starts her new journey in the courts.

Aminah joined us for our webinar in June, where she made a key point about police sending people to the magistrate to take out warrants on other people. In this podcast episode, she expands on that idea, explains the new process for it, and discusses with BJ how to get the Black community to stop calling the police into their homes. She also talks about what’s pushing people into the judicial system - namely the community not knowing what to do in crisis situations due to a lack of education and resources (something she hopes to improve as Durham County Clerk).

We also get to hear about some of Aminah’s plans once she becomes the Clerk of Superior Court and how she aims to better serve the public. BJ and Aminah finish the show by discussing how to keep the judicial system out of people’s homes; including teaching people how to problem solve through education and resources, and the need for more training across the board in all of the judicial system. As Aminah says, “it’s easier for institutions to pivot” than it is for an individual trying do it on their own during a crisis. And, as always, it comes down to respect - on all sides of the system.

More about Aminah Thompson:
Aminah Thompson, a long-time resident of Durham, has served as a Magistrate for 13 years, presiding over civil, criminal, and administrative traffic courts. Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill. Since law school, she has dedicated her career to public service. She is the proud mother of an amazing 2 year old boy, a member of Union Baptist Church, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Alpha Zeta Omega Chapter. In addition, many professional, educational, and civic associations have been recipients of her leadership, guidance, and stewardship.

During the May primary election, Thompson earned the Democratic nomination for Durham County Clerk of Superior Court. With no challenger on the November ballot, she is the presumptive winner and will take office in early December. Thompson is committed to being deliberate, compassionate, respectful, and fair as she continues serving the citizens of Durham. She will be the first African American and the first woman to serve as Durham’s elected Clerk of Superior Court.