From Coit Street to the Courthouse: The Grit

Judge JaHarr S. Pridgen — the first Black female Chief Judge of Buffalo City Court — used to remind herself, when interacting with colleagues from privileged backgrounds: I don’t have what they have; I have to work 200 times harder. She shares disappointments she has experienced but notes that she doesn’t necessarily consider them failures. Don’t miss her perspectives on building a career when you’re not born into a life of privilege, balancing time and priorities, facing imposter syndrome, and making sacrifices. She also covers the importance of familial support and establishing mentoring and community connections. Plus, benefit from her wisdom on why it’s critical to never second guess yourself. Show creator: Dr. Daniel Popoola. Sound engineer: Prachetas Jai Patel. Web support: Alexandra Edelblute.