Anna Blackburne-Rigsby

Anna Elizabeth Blackburne-Rigsby (born May 6, 1961) is the chief judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the highest appellate court for the District of Columbia.

Early life and education Born in Washington, D.C., Blackburne-Rigsby graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens, New York, in 1979. While there, she also earned the position of Lead Articles Editor for the Howard Law Journal and was also recognized as the Co-Captain for the Charles Hamilton Houston Moot Court Team. In 1992, she went to work at the office of the Corporation Counsel for D.C., first as a special counsel and then as Deputy Corporation Counsel in charge of the Family Services Division. An advocate for equal rights and justice, Blackburne-Rigsby also has a spot on the board of directors for the National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts and previously served as the Consortium's moderator and President. Several sources have concluded that Laura Blackburne is an extreme influence on Anna's drive to excel in the law field. In 1959, Laura Blackburne graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in dance and choreography. It wasn't until 20 years later that she would attend St. John's University School of Law to get her J.D. degree. She also acquired Honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Niagara University as well as St. John's University. Prior to her mother's retirement, although in different cities, both Anna and Laura would serve as judges at the same time, pursuing their passions in tandem.