In Thomasville, Georgia, my parents, Adam (AJ) and Marjann Hopkins raised me in an environment that encouraged public service and community activism. My parents were the first African-Americans in our town to own a small local newspaper which was used to champion issues that affected our community. When I left Thomasville, Georgia, I took these values with me to Albany State College and Stetson University College of Law. After graduating from law school in the top of my class, I began my legal career working as a law clerk for a federal judge in Florida. After my clerkship, I spent the next three years practicing civil and administrative law.
When my husband, Dr. M. Barrie, and I moved to Atlanta, I began my career as an assistant district attorney in the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office. I was assigned to our Superior Court felony trial unit. My responsibilities involved prosecuting defendants charged with various crimes such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, drug offenses, thefts, and property crimes. As an assistant district attorney, it was my responsibility to keep the families, homes, and businesses of DeKalb County safe. During my tenure in the felony trial unit, I also served as a Drug Court prosecutor where I fought for a drug free community not only by prosecuting drug dealers, but also by giving non-violent, drug abuse victims, who could successfully complete a two year rehabilitation program, a second chance to be productive citizens.
In an initiative to combat the fatality rate in cases of domestic violence and to add specialized training to the prosecution of sex crimes, the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office created the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit. I was selected as one of two prosecutors assigned to this special unit, which was designed to specifically protect the women of our county. I have worked vigorously advocating for women who could not escape the emotional roller coaster associated with domestic violence and sexual assault. In recognition of my efforts, I was awarded the Boundless Commitment to the Community Award in 2006 and I was named the 2007 Prosecuting Attorney of the Year by the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office. In addition to serving as a zealous advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, I also dedicated myself to educating and empowering our community by volunteering as a guest speaker at DeKalb County's churches, schools, and colleges. I was a facilitator for the abuse ministry at my church. In 2009, I was awarded the Bensonetta Tipton Lane Award for my career commitment for Family Safety and, in 2009, I was honored by SOCAF, an organization aimed at ending sexual violence against women and children.
Community Service is very important to me. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Stone Mountain – Lithonia Alumnae Chapter) and the National Council of Negro Women (DeKalb County). I am also involved in several professional organizations including the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL), Judicial Section of the Gate City Bar, Robert Weltner Family Law Inn of Court (Executive Member) and the State Bars of Georgia, Florida and Texas. Further, I am an active speaker and volunteer within the DeKalb County School System.
In 2008, I was elected to serve on the DeKalb County Superior Court Bench. While on the bench, I have successfully handled several civil and criminal trials, implemented new ways to effectively handle a large caseload and endeavored successfully to accommodate the citizens of DeKalb County. As the concerned mother of three young sons, it is important to me that DeKalb County continues to be a safe and healthy county. Thank you for your vote of confidence. I have enjoyed my term on the DeKalb County Bench. I am, therefore, again asking for your continued support and vote on July 31, 2012.
Respectfully,
Tangela M. Barrie