A large and engaged crowd attended this morning’s Catholic Business League meeting to hear Davidson County General Sessions Judges Ana L. Escobar and Melissa Blackburn discuss their work and the challenges in today’s courtrooms. It was a fascinating discussion, and we thank them for the good work they do on their courts.

Judge Escobar has served for nearly three decades as an assistant public defender, an assistant district attorney, Metro Clerk, and Deputy Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts. Judge Blackburn has been a strong advocate for children — especially those who have suffered the horror of sexual abuse — while also serving as the presiding judge of the Mental Health and Veterans Courts, working to provide assistance to the mentally challenged and the veterans of the community.

We were also happy to thank the 2023 Leadership Catholic class and welcome the Leadership Catholic Class of 2024, who have just been selected. Prayers for them and their mentors as they launch this nine-month leadership and faith development journey. And a special thank-you to Dwayne Keller, who leads the program. He was honored today with a special presentation from Ania Payne, a Leadership Catholic graduate.