On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the Judge Charles Johnson Youth Law Forum will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a daylong event at Church By the Side of the Road in Tukwila, welcoming students and families from across King County for a hands-on introduction to the legal system.
Held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the free forum invites junior high and high school students, along with their parents or guardians, to engage with judges, attorneys, and community leaders through workshops, mock court sessions, and presentations designed to empower civic knowledge and confidence. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and attendees will have a chance to win laptops, gift cards, and other prizes. Pre-registration is required; interpreter services are limited, and child care will not be available.
Launched by First AME Church of Seattle, the forum honors the legacy of the late Judge Charles V. Johnson, former Presiding Judge of the King County Superior Court and a longtime leader within the First AME community. Judge Johnson was one of the first African American judges in the state and spent his career advancing fairness and access to justice, particularly for communities of color. His unwavering commitment to mentorship and public education continues to guide the forum’s mission.
“For 35 years, this forum has helped young people see themselves as participants in justice, not just observers,” said Rev. Dr. Margaret Spearmon. “We’re proud to celebrate the legacy of this program and the generations it has inspired.”
Founded in 1990, the forum has served thousands of King County youth and their families, many of whom represent communities historically excluded from legal professions. The program’s reach now spans multiple generations, with former attendees returning as legal professionals, mentors, and community advocates.
While students explore legal careers and systems through interactive programming, parents and guardians will attend a concurrent Parent Empowerment Workshop. That session will focus on tools for navigating the justice system, understanding student rights, and strengthening communication within families and schools.
This year’s keynote speaker is Jeff Robinson, a nationally recognized constitutional attorney and founder of The Who We Are Project. Robinson is also the creator of the acclaimed documentary Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America, which explores the country’s racial history and its continued influence on law and policy.
In addition to the youth forum, a 35th Anniversary Dinner Celebration will take place on Sunday, October 26, at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport in Renton. The formal evening will honor the founders, past chairs, volunteers, and community partners who have shaped the forum’s vision and sustained its momentum for more than three decades.
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown will serve as keynote speaker, and U.S. District Court Judge Richard Jones will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The dinner will also spotlight the powerful coalition of legal institutions, faith leaders, and grassroots advocates that have collaborated to sustain the forum’s mission.
Tickets for the dinner must be purchased in advance and are expected to sell out prior to the event.
Now one of the longest-running youth legal education initiatives in the region, the Judge Charles Johnson Youth Law Forum remains committed to connecting communities with the justice system and building leadership from within. The program continues to bridge the bench, bar, and broader community in a shared effort to foster equity, opportunity, and understanding.
Through this annual gathering, the forum encourages youth not only to learn about the law—but to see themselves within it. For 35 years, it has asked a powerful question of every student who walks through its doors: What does justice look like when you’re part of it?
