Celebrating Growth, Leadership, and New Beginnings at Kushinda Court Graduation

April 7, 2026

The most recent Kushinda Court graduation was an action-packed event.

Several county leaders, including Commissioner Mary McDonald, visited Kushinda Court to celebrate seven participants as they graduated. Kushinda Court, headed by Judge Gerald Parker, is a specialized docket designed to facilitate effective, evidence-based treatment of 18-29 year old Black men who have been placed on intensive community supervision. Guest speaker Angela Davis inspired attendees with moving remarks on our community’s need for the voices of those who have faced setbacks and still overcome.

It was also Intensive Probation Officer Lafayette “L.A.” Christian’s last graduation, as he retired after more than thirty years of service to the court and after working in Kushinda Court since it began in 2021. “By far, I feel as though my greatest professional success so far has been my involvement with Judge Parker’s Kushinda Court,” L.A. stated, making it a meaningful occasion for court staff as well as the participants.

Congratulations to all as they move on to the next phase in their lives, and thank you to everyone in our community who took the time to be there!