Thurbert Baker appointed as first Black attorney general of Georgia

Jet, June 2, 1997

Thurbert Baker, one of the leading representatives in the Georgia legislature, recently became the state's first Black attorney general.

Baker was appointed to the post in May by Georgia Governor Zell Miller. He officially take office this week.

"I feel proud that the governor had the confidence in me and my ability...," Baker told JET about the historic appointment. "It's a tremendous honor."

Baker, a Democrat, told JET that he has three top priorities, which include cracking down on domestic violence, Medicaid fraud and consumer fraud. He said it is also his job as attorney general "to make sure that the criminal laws are strong and tough."

Gov. Miller chose Baker to serve as the states attorney general after the former attorney general resigned from the post to run for governor. Baker, who formerly was one of the governor's floor leaders in the state House, will hold the post for the rest of the term, which is 19 months. And then he'll seek election to the seat, he said.

The North Carolina native now resides in Decatur with his wife, Catherine, and two daughters.