Black woman of Dominican heritage leads prosecution in racially-charged Georgia murder

US District Attorney, Joyette Holmes. The photo was taken from joyetteholmes.com website
A woman of Dominican heritage, who is a district attorney in the United States, was selected to prosecute the two white men arrested in the murder of an African American jogger in February of this year.

It was announced on US National Public Radio on May 11, 2020, that Joyette Holmes, the first black district attorney of Cobb County in the State of Georgia, was selected to prosecute the suspects charged in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, a racially charged case that is drawing national attention.

According to St Lucia/Dominica Cadet Corps Captain, Cecil Clarke, Holmes, who is his second cousin, is the granddaughter of deceased Dominica-born British Army World War II veteran, Gerald Morris Clarke. The late Gerald Clarke, was also an officer in the now-defunct Dominica Defence Force. Towards the end of his career of public service, during the 1960s and early 1970s, Clarke was the Warden of Her Majesty’s Prison at Stock Farm. Holmes’ mother is Greta Clarke-Smith, the daughter of Gerard Clarke.

Holmes will bring a different perspective to the case, just as she has to the DA’s position in Cobb. She became the county’s first female and African-American district attorney in June 2019, after Gov. Brian Kemp appointed her to lead the prosecution.

“District Attorney Holmes is a respected attorney with experience, both as a lawyer and a judge,” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said, “and the Cobb County District Attorney’s office has the resources, personnel and experience to lead this prosecution and ensure justice is done.”

Joyette Holmes was sworn in as District Attorney of the Cobb Judicial Circuit on July 1, 2019. She has been both a prosecutor and a defense attorney in Cobb. Most recently, she served for four years as Chief Magistrate of Cobb County.

Holmes is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. She graduated from Valdosta High School and the University of Georgia, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice. She earned her law degree at the University of Baltimore School of Law in Maryland.

Several Dominicans have blazed a trail in law in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Africa and the Caribbean region. Several have risen to the position of judge with others such as the late Telford Georges becoming chief judge in several nations.

We wish prosecutor Joyette Holmes’ well in her position.

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43 Comments

  1. May 21, 2020

    I am also a woman of Dominican heritage – I have a law background and I publish a social justice magazine. We’ve been following this case. I wish Judge Holmes well however, it is a little concerning that Gov. Brian Kemp appointed her to lead the prosecution. He has zero scrupples.

  2. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    May 20, 2020

    Here is my final input on this one.

    To the many who are elated, and are celebrating this next to nothing; be informed that this lady only got the job for whatever its worth!

     Nevertheless, prior to her; four judges and three prosecutors recuse themselves from the case! 

    So, in reality she got what the prudent has rejected.

     How about that?

     When  a judge  or prosecutor recuse or (excuse)  oneself from a case  it is because they anticipate some form of a potential conflict of interest or lack of impartiality!

    As it is right now; as a republican who might be cleared by an all white republican Senate, it is almost impossible for this  republican judge to act in the interest of law, order and justice!

  3. shrewd.
    May 17, 2020

    The left socialist Democrats believe everyone should be bias as they are, well Republicans uphold the rule of law based on the constitution and evidence presented. To imply that a republican will not be fair as she leads the prosecution is a very ignorant comment,

    • Bob the Cat
      May 19, 2020

      It’s not a Democrat/Republican thing, they are two of a kind. Theie defense are using politics to taint the jury pool. She was hand-picked to win a lynching case for the Ku klutz klan. The murder dad was also seen pictured at klan rallies, she is being used as their tool.

  4. Bwa-Banday
    May 16, 2020

    Sometimes I am flabagasted at the way we Dcans turn on those with linkages to us that do good like it is a crime or some evil thing. We may hate the Dca diaspora today for whatever reason but without them this country would be in more serious sheet than we can imagine.

    The lady is of Dcan heritage regardless of her political leanings. Why not just commend her because this case will be one of historical proportions regardless of how it goes. It will become a law school “case study” for years to come. I am certain that regardless of her “political” leanings she is more than qualified and capable of handling such a difficult assignment. Again Dcans, applaud the young lady, recognize her heritage and stop this jealous, demeaning BS behavior.

  5. Gone are the days
    May 16, 2020

    Ms Homes remember you have roots in a region that produced greats such as Marcus Garvey and Stokely Chemichael who chose not to take part in this genocide.

  6. Afflicted
    May 16, 2020

    Nice resume, make us proud!
    Hope she also did a carriculum in African studies to make a difference in her life – we all should, Black and White. It is sad that she is being used by White Supremacists – WS as having found ‘their Black’ to do their dirty work on this modern-day lynching, complete with camera man and probably for Facebook-Live. SAD INDEED.
    They are now, as were speak, doing their best to taint the jury pool using main steam U.S media.

    Hopefully she won’t stroke and do the defendants’ hair and hand them her bible, like their black judge did in Dallas to a white cop who admitted savagely slaughtered a St. Lucian in his own apartment.
    Although she has Dominican links, WS racists know how to pick them to prove white supremacy by killing Black people. Lady make us proud, prove them wrong.

  7. Weh papa
    May 15, 2020

    Ebeh if she find out about Dominica through this article and see them comments..she will disassociate herself papa…I too find we like to claim people. but the negative comments about di lady not necessary nah pal
    And doe talk for those saying their family have rank too. Woyyy allu have kix .. well congratulations to everybody and all their family doing big things around the world..it wouldn’t have enough articles for everybody

  8. BMB
    May 15, 2020

    Why ONLY now we get to hear of the individual? “She became the county’s first female and African-American district attorney in June 2019,….” Only now because she, “leads prosecution in racially-charged Georgia murder” we get to know of her? This is just a simply thing of a man wanting people to know he has DISTANT relatives in high places.

  9. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    May 15, 2020

    Galileo; I like your sentiments; that is the mentality of our people, it would appear they had to include St. Lucia, before making the Dominica connection!

    I grantee that woman if one present a copy of the World map and ask her to point out the geographic location of Dominica she might not know where to point!

    Our people are full of fart: they  demolished the home of a popular writer Rhys than repairing it as one of Dominica historic sites!

    That would mean something to a Dominica evolving population; rather than that they are on their knees worshiping someone who perhaps cares squat about them.

    Just because they here she will be presiding over two white criminals!

    She does not have the final say in the matter; the jury is the power: a single white on the jury can hang the whole trial, by simple saying not guilty!

    In America these days one cannot obtain an all black or white jury, it would be bias.

    Why the premature  celebration?

  10. David J Fagan
    May 15, 2020

    Like myself, this woman has lineage on the Island. But she is also a Republican. I am not expecting to be happy with what is going to transpire with the trial.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      May 15, 2020

      David, if she is another of Trump’s appointees, you can expect the criminals to walk.

      No need to remind you of what we saw recently in the the case of the X-general who pleaded guilty; after his plea, he got lawyers to cause a crooked attorney general of the country to drop the charges; hence, the criminal is walking free.

      How can a man plea guilty, one day and the next day he walks after saying he is not guilty? 

      What is going to happen in this case they the criminals are going to enter a plea, which includes “they feared for their life;” and that is why they murdered the man; and she is going to set them free!

      We all remember the Clavon matter; when this criminal followed him, after a police dispatcher told him not to follow Clavon, he eventually murdered Clavon, and told the court he feared for his life.
      He did not get one day in jail.

      That’s what might happen in this case.

    • Ebeh Weh
      May 16, 2020

      So because she is a Republican she is not worthy of being of Dominican Heritage, or able to lead the trial? There are many Dominicans, myself included who migrate to the United States and end up supporting the Republican Party. Just because you’re Black doesn’t automatically mean that you’re to be a Democrat. Being a Black Republican simply means that your share multiple core ideologies that the party stands for.

      Funny, Dominicans seem to hate Trump and love Skerrit… Lol….

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        May 18, 2020

        That is beside the point!

        In Trump world, every republican must tow his line, they do as Trump want’s them to do, if they  do not; they are subjected to his wrath!On the other hand, I don’t see the hype about her.

        Had she not become the prosecutor schedule to prosecute the criminals I doubt, her name would  even appear on DNO.

        And you saw what happen; her family name is not even synonymous in Dominica, that is why all this crap talk about father and St. Lucia.You Dominicans just too like to revere people simply because they are in a position.

        Baloney; create you own fame; stop holding on to people’s coat tail; go to school and learn, don’t look for the easiest way out.

        Years ago, Dominica did not have a two-year junior college; people at any age attends college, go to Dominica two college, get a two year degree, you should need no more than 64 units, then transfer to a four year i.e UWI.

      • Bob the Cat
        May 19, 2020

        There were Jews in Hitler’s organization, but not many.

    • Just asking
      May 16, 2020

      So you mean she is going to be used like another bowling ball in the game by white supremacy?

  11. Magway ca
    May 15, 2020

    So basically the case is already biased against the white killers even before it has started. She will already be thinking racial racial racial and will be hard pressed to remain neutral during the proceedings. She is black and hearin lies the problem. In a racially tense case as this u need at least 6 people of different races to share a board to mitigate the fact that she will be ruling and procecuting via race not necessarily by evidence provided. She already kno that if she does not take a race stance on this case she will be attacked by blacks. And hence she cannot remain neutral. And a panel made up of numerous races will be needed in this case. No whites and no blacks should be allowed to run this case

  12. Sybil nowell
    May 14, 2020

    Ignorant ….., how about saying well done that someone’s child from Dominica’s soil have achieved a high post. Is that to difficult to do. If she didnt know she knows now.
    Most people are very patriotic and will teach their children their true culture

  13. bob Denis
    May 14, 2020

    Most of us will be keeping close tabs on this handful of a Woman, She will make us all proud on how this modern day Lynching is prosecuted. The African Professional Women is a force to be reckoned where ever they are domiciled, and Ms Holms’ back, will be well guided both physically and Spiritually. Our History on the plantations of Georgia , have recorded some of the greatest crimes against Africans/ Humanity in History, this modern day HATER, took his Son with Him to the Darkest corner of the Cosmos, a place call Hell. Today, Hell is visiting the US of A , as an EXEMPLAR Nation, they cannot be an unwelcoming Destination.

  14. Maddo
    May 14, 2020

    She is also a Trump Republican!!!!To each her own

    • Eagle-Eyed
      May 15, 2020

      Well if she is a Trump supporter that will put a different perspective on her, based on the outcome of this case. I feel so sad when I hear of black people supporting this racist sub-human called Trump. It’s like a slap in the face to other black people in and outside of America. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

      • Ebeh Weh
        May 16, 2020

        Just because you vote conservative doesn’t mean that you support Trump…

  15. Under His Wings
    May 14, 2020

    Mrs. Holmes sounds like a very accomplished South Georgia native with Dominican lineage.

    Nice to read; however, I am currently more intersested in her prosecutorial skills than her ties to the Nature Isle.

    I pray that this reportedy astute and capable prosector will help to bring about a very different result in the Ahmad Arbury case than was obtained in the Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner cases.

    As a resident of the Peach State, I can tell you that justice for African Americans in the post- Jim Crow era remains elusive today as ever.

  16. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    May 14, 2020

    What is the big deal about?

    Whereas she might be decedent of Dominica parentage; my cousin Louis Robinson from Marigot son was/is a district attorney in the State of Florida; I’m sure he prosecuted  countless white people.

    He also have a daughter who is a powerful attorney in the State of Florida, I also have another cousin who is a lawyer out here, her father was the late El Caner Edwards out of Wesley.

    He was a Methodist minister serving here, her mother is my cousin Vernon Dodds (Dods) Edwards out of Wesley.

    The very Evance Dods Methodist Minister out of Wesley is her uncle!

    I don’t see a big deal when there are Dominican’s in the United States doing much more important scientific; jobs such saving life’s performing surgeries in hospitals, and other fields such as involved in medical research!

    I agree with the person who said perhaps she never heard of Dominica, and I’ll add never been there oui!

    Hahahahahahahahaha!

    • ??
      May 14, 2020

      Man, go take a hike. You need help…..

    • Cheena Mariposa
      May 14, 2020

      Waw, who hurt you…..why do you have such a nasty crass disposition. You need to find some joy! waw…..displaying such despicable traits….just waw!!! I too have relatives accomplishing amazing things, some who are who’s who and of historical status but I still feel proud of this woman. Trying to dim someones light will not make your light brighter but only shade you twice the degree you tried to dim them. Shame on you!

      • Maggie
        May 16, 2020

        Then she must be related to Othneil Clarke formerly of Leblanc Lane

    • The Truth Be Told
      May 14, 2020

      Franisco get off your high handed attitude. Why my partner are u so arrogant? You seem to want it all for you. Why talk about such trivial things? It is news. Get a grip! It is not only your people who are people. She is Mr. Clarke’s daughter. Period. DNo feels it is ok to big up someone who has links to Dominica. So what! Only negative you want to spew. You just published Louis Robinson who is your cuz. So what too. Who wants to know if Louis is your cuz or the other person? We all have relatives who excel globally so what – get down your high horses for once. Let the world and word roll. Who wants to publish their family, let them. Who do not want all the publicity, so be it. Francisco calm down and start say something good and positive. Do you realise that this news item can motivate someone? Food for thought Francisco! Stop hyper as u only affect yourself. Stress not good my boy! Alas.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        May 15, 2020

        You again taking a free ride on my back?

        I doh, have any debate for you right now, all I might do is put some banana fertilizer bag on my back to make the ride softer so that your Butt, will not bruise!
        Alas poor me.

        Hahahahahahahahahaha!

        Happy riding me oui!

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      May 15, 2020

      As for the one who told me I need help; you seems to get all riled up!

      I emphasize and reiterate;  this person perhaps never heard of Dominica nor intend to set foot in Dominica. I spoke of the accomplishment of my cousin Louis Robinson children. I left out the profession of two of his children; one is a medical doctor, and another is an educator; not born in the United States, all residing in Florida working okay!

      So, if you ask me about my children, and grandchildren, they are involved, in medicine, and law; so shut up!

      We are a progressive people, we do not hold on to the coat tail of anyone, we do not borrow or beg; we do not glory in the success of others; we glory in our very own success, and accomplishments!

      Put that in your crapo pipe and smoke it!

    • Eagle-Eyed
      May 15, 2020

      Francisco you are the worse attention seeker ever. :cry: :cry: :cry:

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        May 15, 2020

        If the administration of DNO would allow me I would call you a ….!

        Hahahahahahahahahahah!

        You see all of you people who are criticizing me, you are the ones who need help, all of you are the confounded and thrive on jealousy!

        You hate me because I speak the truth; and what’s more I am not a beggar Dominican like you.

        Some hate me because I don’t sing praises to people because of their profession; so what if somebody father came from Dominica, and that child of the Dominican became a judge or prosecutor in the country of their birth, of what benefit is that to Dominica, and those who are assassinating me?

        How come I gave a bit of history concerning Louis Robinson, and his children; not one recognize that a Dominican have so many children, educate then in Dominica, and Barbados; they all are successful due to the efforts of their Dominica born and raised in Marigot father.

        I am not looking for attention; that is territorial to me!

    • May 15, 2020

      Dod,s you don’t make no cense at all you just have to put your silly comment point less.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        May 18, 2020

        You are an ignorant Jack…!
        How many people are born to Dominican and other West Indian (Caribbean parent) holding scientific position in America, Canada, Europe; elsewhere, and you don’t hear a word about them?

        I.E.; how many have seen the Movie “To Sir With Love?”
        How many know that the teacher Sidney Poitier played was an immigrant from Guyana in South America?
        I commented on the demolition of the old house Rhys:
        Any Dominican aware of the following? 
        “Wide Sargasso Sea is a 1966 novel by Dominica-born British author Jean Rhys.
        It is a feminist and anti-colonial response to Charlotte Brontë’s novel Jane Eyre (1847), describing the background to Mr Rochester’s marriage from the point-of-view of his mad wife Antoinette Cosway, a Creole heiress. Antoinette Cosway is Rhys’ version of Brontë’s devilish “madwoman in the attic”.
        “Antoinette’s story is told from the time of her youth in Jamaica, to her unhappy marriage to a certain unnamed English gentlema.”
        We…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        May 18, 2020

         Dominica’s history is unknown, we have plenty of our people all over the world who are in more prestigious positions than that woman; if you ask me I can prove that one does not require a law degree to be a judge in America.
        Give Credit to people like Gabriel Christian who came out of a village in Dominica, operating his law firm in America.

        I went looking for a lawyer to represent me one time; when the woman heard my accent, she ask me where I was from, I told her Dominica, the first thing she asked me is if I know Gabriel Christian, I told her yes, she told me that Gabriel Christian actually trained her.

        When I saw her she worked in a large Law firm  in Los Angeles!

        People like Christian, and the other Dominican born we should be happy, and proud of!

        In Canada, someone showed me a book written by a Dods born in Belize, turn out his father/mother from Wesley!

        Shut-up!

  17. Bwa-Banday
    May 14, 2020

    Niceeeee! The blood that Jacko, Congoree and others shed was not in vain. Pierre Collaire stopped the once mighty British Navy/ soldiers right in its tracks so you can help bring justice to those deserving. My lady you may have the nationality of another nation but your true identity lies in the nature isle at the foothills of places like Morne Dialotin where the sisserou sings oh so proudly of her sons and daughters who continue to make us proud. So stay focused and humble. Jah guidance.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      May 14, 2020

      “My lady you may have the nationality of another nation but your true identity lies in the nature isle ”

      That is nonsense; the woman is an American born; that is her true identity!

      It would be good if she recognized Dominica; I don’t know if she has; there are lots of people born to Dominican parents in other countries who are not even aware of relatives still existing in Dominica.

      Case and point; someone saw the name of one of my sisters, on social media, he contacted her, his name is Telemaque, he told my sister his farther is from Wesley, told her his name.

      We believe his father might be brother to our father, long dead; his farther is also dead!

      We are accepting him as our close relative, until we know for sure.

      But hear this we had an aunt living in Guadeloupe, never return to Dominica from the time she left. One day a son of hers came to Dominica.

      Will return.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      May 14, 2020

      This grown man came to Dominica, not knowing his his family, except he remember hearing the name Linton, somewhere as a kid.

      So, at the airport he told immigration he is related to Linton, someone took him to Lennox father, who asked him who is/was his mother; well Linton knew her, since she was the daughter of his aunt, my grandmother; also dead.

      Linton took him to Wesley to meet my father; poor boy could not speak or communicate with my father or sister, they do not speak French, neither could he speak English, it was a mess.

      So, the question is how many people out there born to Dominican parents, who knows nothing about where their family came.

      In the case of the one we believe father was brother our father; I made inquiries and an older relative told me the name of his father rings a bell, but he is trying to remember the connection, if he departs this world anytime before finding out, we will never know!

    • Dr. Sam
      May 15, 2020

      Thanks to Cadet Captain Cecil Clark for sharing his family’s long legacy of distinction in service. May God grant Prosecutor Joyette Holmes the necessary courage & protection to serve the state of Georgia in such precarious times.

      We already know she is not only wise, but made of sterner stuff. Be very proud Dominica. Continue to shine and bloom wherever you’re planted!

      • Still Early
        May 16, 2020

        It’s still early Sam, we shall be proud as we are of Clarance Thomas or better after the case.

  18. SMH
    May 14, 2020

    omg that’s news?? the lady maybe dont even know where Dominica is

    • Braindamage
      May 14, 2020

      At least she will know…..

    • Galileo
      May 15, 2020

      Oh my God. This was such a waste of an article. One could see the struggle to prove she had some connection to Dominica. Are we feeling so hopeless and defeated in Dominica that we try to create victories out of anything?

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