ABOUT JUDGE BUNMI AWONIYI

Hon. Bunmi O. Awoniyi has built her career on a foundation of fairness, empathy, and quiet strength. As the first Black Presiding Judge in Sacramento Superior Court’s 170-year history, she stands as both a symbol and steward of progress — leading with a grace that commands respect and invites reflection.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Judge Awoniyi’s path to the bench began across the Atlantic. After being called to the Bar of England and Wales, she came to the United States on a Pegasus International Lawyer Scholarship and made California her professional home. Her early career as a Certified Family Law Specialist in Sacramento — where she maintained her own firm for nearly two decades — shaped her reputation for fairness and compassion in some of the most complex, human-centered cases.

Appointed to the Sacramento Superior Court in 2012 by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., she has since served as Supervising Judge of Family Law and Probate, Assistant Presiding Judge, and now Presiding Judge, overseeing 68 judicial officers and more than 800 court employees.

Her courtroom is known for its balance of dignity and empathy — where justice is rendered with both precision and humanity. Judge Awoniyi’s career reflects an enduring belief that visibility matters, not for status, but for what it inspires in others. Through her leadership, she has widened the path for those who will follow, embodying the truth that representation, when paired with integrity, reshapes what justice can look like.

ON LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE

What does “Black Power and Influence” mean to you?
For me, power and influence as a Black leader begins with visibility. It matters — for inspiration, for having a voice, and for securing a seat at the table. Our Black and Brown communities are an integral part of Sacramento, and seeing that reflected in leadership is both meaningful and necessary.

Leadership Lesson:
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is more than a title. As I near the end of my term as Presiding Judge, I’ve reflected on the fact that my opinions may no longer be sought after, and I won’t be at the center of shaping policy for our court. And that’s OK — because my identity is not the title. Leadership is about impact, purpose, and service, and that doesn’t end when a term does.

ON EVERYDAY LIFE

Song/Artist On Repeat: Banky W – “You Keep On Blessing Me”; Yolanda Adams – “I’m Gonna Be Ready.”

Recharge Ritual: Listening to audiobooks by Nigerian authors, soaking up sunshine in the backyard, or binge-watching a good Netflix series.

Do you have a regular workout, sport, or wellness practice that keeps you grounded?: Fitness keeps me grounded — most mornings begin at 5:30 a.m. with strength training, cardio, or fitness walking. I also love swimming, endurance walking, and more recently, pickleball.

Hidden Passion: Outreach missions to underserved communities, combining service, travel, and photography to connect with people and cultures around the world.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our “Onyx 25” sponsors for their generous support: