Today, we recognize one of our own: Justice Anita Earls, a member of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers who is seeking reelection to the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
Justice Earls has been a consistent supporter of NCABL. When we have asked her to participate in our programs, lend her voice to an important discussion, or simply show up for our organization, she has shown up. Most recently, she joined us in Wilmington for the 2026 NCABL and Old North State Medical Society Joint Annual Conference.
But our connection to Justice Earls goes beyond her support of NCABL. Her life’s work reflects much of what NCABL has stood for since our founding in 1954: equal justice under law, protection of civil rights, meaningful access to our courts, voting rights, and a legal system that works for every North Carolinian.
Justice Earls has spent decades working on issues that directly affect the communities NCABL was founded to serve. Before joining the Supreme Court of North Carolina, her legal career included extensive work in civil rights, voting rights, racial justice, and equal access to justice.
In describing the principles that have guided her career, Justice Earls states:
Those principles should resonate with NCABL members. Our organization was born during a time when Black lawyers were required to fight for rights and opportunities that were routinely denied to Black North Carolinians. For more than seven decades, NCABL members have continued that work in courtrooms, communities, classrooms, and public service across this state.
Justice Earls embodies that tradition of using the law in service of justice.
With Election Day only 54 days away, I want our members to recognize that one of our own is on the ballot and that judicial elections have consequences far beyond the names appearing on a ballot. The decisions made by our courts affect our constitutional rights, our families, our communities, and the administration of justice throughout North Carolina.
Learn about this race. Talk about the importance of our courts. Encourage your family, friends, colleagues, and communities to become informed. Make a plan to vote. And consider the many ways that, in your individual capacity, you can participate in the electoral process.
Justice Earls has consistently answered the call when NCABL has asked her to show up.
Now, one of our members is on the ballot. Let’s make sure our members are paying attention.
NCABL’s recognition of a member who is a candidate for public office is intended to inform and engage our membership and should not be construed as an organizational endorsement of any candidate.
