Brown, a high school dropout, running for judge

 

Cyndee Brown was so devoted to law that she even practiced it in her classroom.  When students raised their hands in class and she called on them, they would say, "May I approach the bench?”

Her fascination with law grew with her desire to stand up for those who received unfair treatment. Raised in New York City, Brown was known for standing up for kids who were picked on.

"That's what I want to do, do my job and help people at the same time," said Brown.

Brown has worn many hats during the past two decades. She is now running for Leon County judge, Seat 3, and hoping to add one more hat to her collection.

Although Brown left high school after the ninth grade, she kept herself occupied by reading books. After visiting her mother in New Jersey she was motivated to go receive her G.E.D. She went back to Harlem and signed up to complete her diploma in a two-day testing program.

She also decided to test for the Air Force and surprised herself by passing. She was stationed in Florida for training and enjoyed it.

 Brown became active duty in the Air Force for nine years and nine months, specializing as a jet engine mechanic.

Brown has twin boys who she adopted as babies. After leaving the Air Force she became a single mother and worked at the Marriot Hotel as a housekeeper. She was very active and worked in her church and soon received government assistance.

Brown decided to quit her job and enroll in school full time. She received her associate degree at Gulf Coast Community College and graduated University of West Florida with an English major.

Brown became a high school English teacher but still had her eye on Florida State University’s law school. Without studying for the LSAT, Brown passed and eventually started her own practice.

With her life experience and being on both sides of the rope, Brown is determined to bring that to the courtroom to relate to the community. She believes residents will quickly come to see that she understands the real world and the issues people confront.

"I had food stamps with eviction notices, I know what it's like," said Brown.

Keith Rodgers, founder and CEO of Black On Black Rhyme presented her on his show on a Tuesday night.

“Cyndee Brown has been on both sides of that scale that lady justice holds in her hand. Therefore, balance and the weighing of evidence would be quite evident when she's on the bench," said Rodgers.