Carolyn Galloway becomes first woman, person of color to become City of Anderson judge

Carolyn Elaine Galloway sleeps with a notepad next to her bed for when she wakes in the middle of the night needing to jot down an idea.

The Upstate lawyer has spent four decades bearing the pain of others in her community and working on their behalf.

On Monday evening, Galloway became the first African American and the first woman to become a municipal court judge in the city of Anderson, said Beth Batson, a spokesperson for the city.

"I always knew that I would be a trailblazer in some way because I am that girl from the small town of Pendleton, and had big dreams of being a lawyer," Galloway told the Independent Mail.

For subscribers: SC women still make far less than male counterparts. One Spartanburg woman aims to change that.

The mother of three, grandmother of seven and great grandmother of one brings endurance and compassion to her job from years of motherhood, she said.

Family, church members and friends of Galloway crowded city hall Monday evening.

Galloway's grandchildren held the Bible while she was sworn in and the ceremony was met with roaring applause.

"I am so honored to have been appointed by this council," she said to the crowd. "I'm especially proud to be the first woman and the first African American."

Associate Judge Robert King said he has enjoyed his time as a judge in the city and knows Galloway will too.

"I'm just very proud of her," King said. "I've known her for a long time. I expect she will be an excellent judge."

Courts news: SC Supreme Court upholds conviction in 2015 Powdersville fatal gas station shooting

She is a member of the Anderson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated, a public service sorority that came Monday to support her.

"Public service has always been an important part of what I do and what I believe in, and I think being a judge is just a continuation of that," she said.

The Pendleton High and University of South Carolina School of Law graduate moved from Greenville to Anderson in 1984 and has specialized in family court cases, including those with minor children.

"I'd like to see more and more African Americans, more and more women, being involved in community activities," she said.

Galloway's advice to her community is clear.

"Forge your own path in life and see it through to the end. Trailblazing is not easy but it creates opportunities for future travelers to see the world from a fresh new perspective."

Sarah Sheridan is the community reporter in Anderson. She'd appreciate your help telling important stories; reach her at ssheridan@gannett.com or on Twitter @saralinasher.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: City of Anderson names its first Black and first female judge