Diana Becton Sworn in as First African American, Woman DA

Becton hugs Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover moments before being sworn in as the new District Attorney for Contra Costa County in Martinez, Calif. on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Link to the original article on Walker’s Legacy

September 25, 2017

Diana Becton was sworn in Monday, September 18, 2017 as the first woman and first African American to serve as district attorney in Contra Costa County.

After serving as a judge in the Contra Costa County’s Superior Court for 22 years, Becton was selected from five finalists by the county’s Board of Supervisors to replace the former district attorney. Becton is expected to finish the term and hold the position until January 2019.

“It’s a historic day in Contra Costa. It breaks two barriers. And [Becton] was the best candidate to protect public safety and administer justice.” -Supervisor John Gioia, East Bay Times

As interim district attorney, Becton is looking to enact criminal justice reform initiatives, specifically bail reform and the relationship between police and the communities they serve.

In response to Becton’s goal to shift race relations in Contra Costa’s justice system, she received the support of Contra Costa residents, many of whom held signs of support at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

“It’s good to know that I’ve earned the respect of the people in this county, and they have entrusted me with this very, very important position. I will do everything I can to live up to all of the expectations placed on my shoulders,” Becton said in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.

Moving forward, Becton hopes that the community support will withstand, telling East Bay Times, “I’m asking for everyone’s support as we go forward, to protect our community and to make it safe for everyone.”