By Staff Writer, Westside Gazette
MIAMI, FL – A true pioneer in Florida’s judicial history, Retired Judge Melvia Green received a heartfelt tribute as South Dade residents and members of the legal community gathered to unveil Judge Melvia Green Terrace in Richmond Heights the same neighborhood where she grew up.
The new street, located at SW 103rd Avenue and 146th Terrace, now stands as a lasting reminder of Green’s groundbreaking career and lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and service.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee, who sponsored the resolution to rename the street, said Judge Green’s influence extends far beyond the courtroom.
“From a young age, she was curious, kind, and devoted to helping her neighbors — traits that guided her to law and public service,” McGhee said. “Through hard work in school, college, and law school, she built a career grounded in civil rights, accountability, and unwavering integrity.”
McGhee added that Green’s impact continues through the many young lawyers she has mentored and the countless lives she’s touched in pursuit of fairness and dignity for all.
“This street naming connects her roots to her remarkable work,” he said. “It proves that home becomes a national story when its people commit to justice inspiring our youth to dream big, study hard, and give back.”
Judge Green expressed her deep gratitude for the recognition, calling it one of life’s most breathtaking moments.
“Little boys and girls who look like me don’t always aspire to become lawyers or judges,” she said. “When I became a judge, it was a dream come true my calling. Our lives aren’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Today is one of those moments for me.”
A Legacy of Firsts
Judge Melvia Green’s career is one of extraordinary achievement and courage. She made history as the first Black female circuit court judge in Florida, the first African American female assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Florida, and later, in 1994, became the first African American woman to serve on the Florida Third District Court of Appeal.
After earning her law degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1979, Green was appointed to the Miami-Dade County Court by then-Governor Bob Martinez in 1987. Over the course of her judicial career, she served with distinction on the Dade County Court, Eleventh Circuit Court, and the Third District Court of Appeal, totaling 21 years of judicial service before retiring in 2008.
In 2016, she was honored as a Legal Legend by the History Miami Museum and the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Historical Society, recognizing her more than 25 years of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for justice.
Even in retirement, Green continues to serve her community as a mediator, arbitrator, and special master, remaining a trusted voice in legal reform and mentorship.
“It’s an honor well deserved,” said Pastor Ronald Smith of Community Bible Baptist Church, who grew up alongside Green in Richmond Heights. “She’s been determined and focused since our days in the Miami Killian High School band. We always knew she was destined for greatness.”
Judge Green’s story — from a small street in Richmond Heights to the highest levels of Florida’s judiciary — continues to inspire generations to reach higher, serve others, and lead with integrity.
