Meet George A. Turner Jr. | Public Defender and Candidate for Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Seat #39

We had the good fortune of connecting with George A. Turner Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi George A., what do you want your legacy to be?
I was born and raised during the height of mass incarceration. For context, over the past 50 years the 50 years the State of California has built 23 prisons and only built one college. Growing up I witnessed, family, friends and community members caught up in the web that is the criminal legal system and I realized early on that I wanted to do something about it. I have been fighting to keep my community out of custody as a Public Defender for the last 15 years and now I hope to continue that fight as a judge. I am a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a friend and a fighter. When history asks the question, what did you do when the State of California fell into the era of Mass Incarceration? I want to remembered as someone who fought back the tide and changed the world

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Public Defender. I have worked in courtrooms across the county including Inglewood, Compton, Airport, Metropolitan and the Central Court. I am currently the Deputy in Charge of the Homeless Mobile Unit which is a small group of Public Defenders dedicated to clearing the criminal records of our unhoused neighbors so that they can find housing and jobs. What distinguishes me is that I practice in the community where I was born and raised and where I am currently raising my children. I am intimately aware the needs, shortcomings and strengths of the people who I represent because of my experience in the community.

I began as a Public Defender after graduating from Morningside High, School Valedictorian; UCLA, Summa Cum Laude and UCLA Law, with a concentration in Critical Race Theory. Despite my success in school I have had to overcome direct and in direct racism throughout my personal, educational and professional life. As a six foot tall black man with a bald head I personify many of the fears and prejudices that people harbor deep within. I have learned the importance of humanizing individuals no matter their outward appearance or circumstances and that has been the keep to my success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is a huge megalopolis that rivals many countries. There are nearly 10 million people who live in this county alone and when you add neighboring counties like Orange, Ventura and the Inland Empire this week long trip is closer to visiting a region than just a city. Having said that any trip to Los Angeles begins and ends with the beach. I am a fan of Manhattan Beach because it provides the feel of a neighborhood with the fun of a large beautiful beach. As a father of three, I do not get to party much but the last time I did it was at the Beehive. I love a good museum and the California African American Museum has some of the best exhibits if you are interested in the history of black people in Los Angeles. I also love the view at the Getty Museum. I love food and Los Angeles has an amazing Food Truck culture 3Staks Kitchen is a personal favorite of mine. I also love barbeque. If I am not grilling then off to either Bludsoe’s or My Father’s BBQ. Also as an Inglewood native Brolly Hut is mandatory. I would definitely invite my friend out to go hiking in either the Palisades or Palos Verde for a healthy outing and then either to some comedy in Hollywood or a concert in one of the venues in Inglewood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother and grandmother are invariably my greatest inspiration, These two women, in the face of abject poverty, racism and misogyny, were able to carve out a place for themselves in this society while raising black boy’s under the most dire of circumstances. My accomplishments are nothing short of a miracle facilitated by these two angels. As a child, they encompassed me with love while believing in, expecting and in many cases betting on my success. They instilled in me a strong sense of self, a dedication to my community and the confidence necessary to overcome a myriad of obstacles.

Website: https://georgeaturner4judge.com/#home

Instagram: @turner4judge

Linkedin: @turner4judge

Twitter: @turner4judge

Facebook: George Turner

Youtube: Georgeturner4judge