Orangeburg’s new family court judge ‘will not forget to care’

Jerrod Austin Anderson was sworn in as the newest one on June 28.

Anderson, 52, also made history as the first African American statewide elected judge in the history of Orangeburg County, said Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg. Anderson’s also the first African American family court judge in the 1st Judicial Circuit, which covers Calhoun, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties.

Hutto called Anderson “a trailblazer” and a “role model.”

“You have the ability to be decisive, timely, courteous, humble, thoughtful, respectful. There’s not a single one of those words that, if I said those words and then I said ‘Jerrod Anderson,’ that people wouldn’t say, ‘He’s got that.’”

“You know when families come before you, as a family court judge, you will be that person who has the power and authority to fundamentally change their lives. It’s an awesome responsibility,” Hutto said.

Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, thanked Anderson for his courage and “running the gauntlet that’s called ‘running for a judge in South Carolina.’”

“We don’t have a whole lot of people of color who choose to do that,” Cobb-Hunter said.

She added, “I want you to know that had I not had belief in your character – and character is something that’s pretty rare nowadays – your integrity, your caring, your commitment to the least of these, I probably would not have worked as hard as I did to make sure this day would come.”

“I am even more proud that you are the first African American family court judge in this circuit,” she said.

“I have absolutely no doubt that you are going to be a welcome addition to the bench. You are going to do a great job. … You’re not here because of what you look like, you’re here because you worked hard to get here,” Cobb-Hunter said.

Family Court Judge Anne Gue Jones, who’s been Orangeburg County’s sole resident family court judge for the past 23 years, welcomed Anderson.

Jones said she’s known Anderson for many years. He was the S.C. Department of Social Services county abuse and neglect attorney, guardian ad litem attorney in abuse and neglect cases in Orangeburg, a family law practitioner and deputy county attorney for Orangeburg County.

She noted that the circuit’s other family court judges also welcome him.

Anderson’s wife, Nicole, held the Bible while he placed his hand on it and recited the oath given by S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Beatty at the Orangeburg County Courthouse.

Beatty noted that administering the oath to Anderson was one of his last official public acts before retiring.

Anderson told the crowd, “Thank you for sharing this moment with me.”

“It’s historical. It’s the fruit of labor, it’s the fruit of grace, it’s the fruit of vision and I’m just so thankful,” he said.

“Of course, I have to give all glory to God. I have to thank my family. I have to thank those who partnered with me, those who tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Jerrod, this is a good idea, why don’t you look into it?’ and I have to thank my parents for keeping me on track,” Anderson said.

He also expressed appreciation for the support of the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation.

“I will not forget to be fair and impartial. I will not forget to care. The tough matters need patience and time. Justice must be upheld. Children must be protected and families must be impacted for good when in line with law and I plan to uphold that,” Anderson said.

“I not only work for the public, but for those whose shoulders I stand on,” Anderson said.

Anderson has been living in the Orangeburg area for over 26 years. He grew up in Methane, Massachusetts.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University in 1994 and a Juris Doctorate from Southern University in 1998.

He and his wife, Nicole, have three children: Jerrod A. Anderson II, Jason A. Anderson and Arrin N. Purboo.

Anderson is a member of Cornerstone Community Church and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Delta Zeta Lambda Chapter.

When Anderson isn’t working, he enjoys exercising and watching movies in theaters.

Anderson was an attorney in private practice and also served as of-counsel for Bamberg Legal LLC.