Mayor Dickens joins city leaders, family, and community to celebrate a legal pioneer’s legacy

Judge Webster, who earned both her bachelor’s and law degrees from Boston University at a time when few African American women attended college, went on to become one of the first Black women to practice law in Atlanta. In the late 1950s—during the Jim Crow era—she joined the State Bar of Georgia, breaking barriers in a profession overwhelmingly dominated by white men.

Over her career, Judge Webster tried more than 1,200 cases. Many of her victories addressed employment and housing discrimination, including a landmark settlement against Georgia Power. She later brought her brilliance to the bench when Mayor Andrew Young appointed her to the Atlanta Municipal Court, where she served with honor and distinction.

Mayor Andre Dickens reflected on her legacy, noting that at a time when Judge Webster’s very presence in the courtroom challenged the status quo, she paved the way for generations of lawyers and judges who followed.

City Councilmembers Andrea Boone and Marci Collier Overstreet, Fulton County leaders, and members of Judge Webster’s family joined in the ceremony. Her son, Donald E. Webster, spoke on behalf of the family, emphasizing how her courage and commitment to justice continue to inspire.

The new historic marker ensures that Judge Webster’s belief in using the law to provide “justice for all” lives on. Visitors to Gates Webster Park can now learn about her life and legacy—a story of resilience, excellence, and lasting impact on Atlanta’s civic and legal history.

Learn more about Atlanta’s historic preservation and cultural programs at the Office of Cultural Affairs.