Judge Dawson on East Cleveland Public Library’s Local History Room dedication to Judge Una Keenon

Photos by Annette Blackwell

“I first met Judge Una Keenon working her court as a public defender. Understand, at that point I didn’t have any experience at all defending anyone.

She trusted me. Not only in that, she taught me how to do that job—she was also a judge as well as helping train me as a public defender and I appreciate that. We had that relationship for many, many years.

When I decided to run for judge, she was the first and main support that I had, [Judge Dawson spoke directly to Judge Keenon] so I really and truly appreciate you for that.

Even more importantly, everything that I do on the bench as far as compassion given back—all those things—are an extension of what I learned in her courtroom. I spent hours as a defense attorney watching her.

Watching how she dealt with the defendants with fairness, restraint, but at the same time with love—it was really an amazing mix to watch all those years.

To love on people while, at the same time, give them jail sentences if they need it [audience laughed with understanding].

She was firm—no doubt about it, but at the same time, she would do it with love.

All of that is what I take to the bench now, so I mean it when I say: [Judge Dawson again addressed Judge Keenon directly] the judge I am today is only because of what you taught me.

Thank you so much. I love you and I appreciate you.”

–Judge William Dawson