IS IT TIME FOR HOPE?
ATTORNEY PROFILE

By Rolanda Johnson
3/2010

The citizens of the 57th district of St. Louis, Missouri have answered this question with a resounding “YES.” Attorney Hope Whitehead was chosen, in a special election (February 2010) to represent the 57th district as their State Representative in the Missouri State Legislature. At a time when so many constituents are disenchanted with their political leaders and willing to be very vocal and active about their discontent, Whitehead has chosen an interesting time to run for office. Whitehead takes over a seat previously held by a Representative who has plead guilty to federal criminal charges. Public scrutiny of political figures will be intensified. However if there is anyone up for the challenge certainly Hope Whitehead is that person.

A native New Yorker, Whitehead graduated from Fordham University, Lincoln Center with a degree in psychology and was subsequently accepted to Washington University, School of Law on a full scholarship. By the end of her second year of law school, Whitehead had fallen in love with the City of St. Louis and she and her husband decided to make St. Louis their home.

Whitehead's first legal position after law school was at the St. Louis City Circuit Attorney’s [Prosecutor’s] Office. Under the tutelage of Circuit Attorney Dee Joyce Hayes, Whitehead entered the prosecutor's office where she rose to the position of Team Leader. As Team Leader along with her prosecutorial duties, her job included supervising/mentoring other attorneys and interns, some of which have gone on to become sitting judges and political activists.

Considering Whitehead's interviewer was a former Public Defender, the question had to be posed as to whether she ever felt conflicted about being a minority and prosecuting criminals in a jurisdiction where the majority of defendants were also (and remain) minorities as well. Whitehead didn’t shy away from providing an answer. Whitehead reflected on a case where she prosecuted one of the youngest defendants (at that time) for murder. At the conclusion of the trial, when the guilty verdict was read, the defendant’s grandmother rose up in the court room and shouted “Murderer!”

Whitehead maintains that her conscience is clear, primarily because she feels no one should be victimized. Frequently she was labeled a trader, but Whitehead acknowledged the realities of Black on Black crime. Whitehead is steadfast in her conviction that residents should not fear their neighbors and are entitled to feel safe in their neighborhoods. Prosecuting criminal offenders helps achieve that peace of mind.

The irony is that after graduating from law school, Whitehead believed she would be able to make the biggest social impact on the community as a Public Defender. However Whitehead was disabused of this notion after a discussion with her uncle Sunny Carson. Carson, a civil rights revolutionary and of the famed “The Education of Sonny Carson” flipped the script and explained good lawyers are needed on both sides and more importantly a person can effect more change as a party within the system than as a spectator on the outside. This is a philosophy Whitehead has adorned ever since listening to her uncle’s message, without regret.

Whitehead took her job seriously and felt no compunction about prosecuting defendants accused of heinous crimes. Nevertheless Whitehead could also appreciate that her position as a Circuit Attorney also provided her the opportunity to prevent a person from entering the criminal system unnecessarily (e.g. low level 1st time offenders), which often begets a downward social spiral (inability to secure employment) and/or spiral into other criminal activity.

Whitehead's tenure with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office lasted seven years. Although her time as prosecutor was professionally fulfilling, she determined it was time to move in another direction. Whitehead had become a mother for a second time and concluded a more stable lifestyle was essential. Her career path led her to a position with the St. Louis Housing Authority as Associate General Counsel. She was then appointed by Governor Mel Carnahan to head the Division of Liquor Control and ultimately selected to serve as an Associate Administrative Law Judge. Whitehead had settled in as an Administrative Judge from 2001 – 2006, when due to a governmental reorganization, her position (as well as that of other Associate Administrative Law Judges) was terminated. Whitehead experienced what so many are currently experiencing - sudden job loss. “What to do now?” Whitehead had lost her insurance, had a son in college with rising tuition expenses and had to figure out how to support her family. Whitehead eventually entered private practice where she remained until her decision to run for State office.

Whitehead had never previously run for a political seat but decided to pursue an elected political position because she could relate to the needs of her constituents and serve her community with integrity and compassion. After securing her party’s nomination, Whitehead only had eight weeks to convince her district she was the best candidate to represent its interests. Whitehead’s election committee was comprised of an intimate and dedicated group of individuals who also felt she would be a good State Representative and worked tirelessly during her campaign. Much of Whitehead’s campaigning was achieved through grassroots door-to-door constituent contact, which ultimately secured her 55% of the vote.

That being said only 8% of eligible voters actually turned out to pull the lever. The disappointing turnout was not lost on Whitehead, who again reemphasized, that if you want to effect change, you have to be involved “you can’t be on the other side banging on the door”. People have to be a part of the political process. Whitehead pointed out that after being sworn into office, she was immediately assigned to the Urban Issues Committee. One of the biggest issues currently affecting St. Louis is the issue of ‘Local [St. Louis City] Control’. Right away the citizens of St. Louis, who voted Whitehead into office, put her in a position to have a direct impact on a bill that affects the St. Louis community.

Low voter turnout may be due to various reasons, the least of which may include the frustration many people feel over the perception of party line politics. Whitehead understands the importance of building relationships to get things accomplished in Congress and intends to work diligently with all legislators to achieve the best results for Missouri Citizens.

The life of a politician is certainly very demanding. Fortunately, Whitehead’s tight knit family has been very supportive of all her endeavors. Whitehead’s parents Sara and Paul Austin, of whom she speaks very lovingly, raised Hope and five siblings in New York City. Her parents have recently celebrated their 60th anniversary and have since retired to Orangeburg, South Carolina. Nevertheless, euphoric by her decision to run for office, they did not let state boundaries deter their attempt to lobby on her behalf from across the country.

Whitehead had an equal amount, if not more, support from her husband Jon and their two sons, Jarid and Jamal. Jon Whitehead, whom she met when they both worked as youth counselors in New York, has been her biggest champion. Hope and Jon have been married for 25 years, and she credits her husband with guiding all of her major life decisions, including her decision to become a lawyer and encouraging her to run for office. Whitehead notes Jon has complete and unwavering faith and confidence in her abilities. Whitehead’s family is of primary importance and even though balancing her professional and personal life presents some challenges, Whitehead makes sure to incorporate her family in every aspect of her life in order to preserve her family’s closeness.

Whitehead’s various commitments limit her free time but when lucky enough to have some down time, Whitehead enjoys estate sales, antique shopping and scenic driving (locally and through the “heavenly” Smokey Mountains to visit her parents). However with the frequent legislative trips to Jefferson City, her love of driving may diminish.

As a first time elected political figure, Attorney Hope Whitehead will certainly be tested as she maneuvers through the Missouri State legislative process and culture. Fortunately she is equipped with a solid background, including invaluable mentors (e.g. Judge Ronnie White; Judge Angela Turner Quigless; the late Senator Paula Carter, and J.B. “Jett” Banks; Senator Robin Wright Jones and Senator Maida Coleman), which puts her in the position to well represent her district, the City of St. Louis and the State of Missouri. Let the Journey begin!