With nearly a decade of legal experience and a lifetime dedicated to service, Habekah B. Cannon is uniquely prepared to serve as District Court Judge for Seat 18. As an attorney, advocate, and public servant, she has spent her career ensuring fairness, elevating community voices, and standing up for those who need the justice system to work for them—not against them.
Now, she’s ready to bring that commitment to the bench.
Habekah’s judicial philosophy is guided by fairness, integrity, and respect for every person who enters the courtroom.
Every individual deserves consistent, unbiased treatment under the law.
Removing unnecessary barriers so people can navigate the legal system with clarity and dignity.
Ensuring timely proceedings while treating everyone, from defendants to victims to attorneys, with professionalism and respect.
Building confidence in the justice system through transparency, empathy, and integrity.
With nearly a decade of legal experience and a lifelong commitment to service, Habekah Cannon is uniquely prepared to serve as District Court Judge.
A proud native of Goldsboro, Habekah’s dedication to community began early. Her formative years as a missionary in South Africa deepened her belief in fairness, dignity, and justice for all.
After earning her Criminal Justice degree from Hampton University and Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law, Habekah joined the ACLU, where she co-authored the 2019 report “At All Costs: The Consequences of Rising Court Fines and Fees in North Carolina.”
She later served as an Assistant Public Defender in Mecklenburg County, representing more than 800 clients in District Court. Today, she is the Managing Attorney of her own law firm and serves as Secretary of the National Conference of Black Lawyers, NC Chapter.
Guided by the principle Caring for Our Community, Upholding Our Laws, Habekah is committed to ensuring that justice is compassionate, accessible, and truly impartial.
I am running for Mecklenburg District Court Judge because our courts must be places where people are seen, heard, and treated with fairness. For many, District Court is their very first experience with the justice system. Those first moments matter — they shape trust, outcomes, and entire futures.
Throughout my career, I have seen how deeply the decisions made in District Court affect individuals, families, and the broader community. I’ve represented people at their most vulnerable, and I’ve witnessed how compassion, clarity, and respect can change the trajectory of a case — and a life.
I believe our community deserves a judge who listens, who understands the complexities behind each case, and who applies the law with both firmness and humanity. A judge who recognizes the dignity of every person who enters the courtroom — whether they are seeking protection, facing charges, or advocating for their rights.
I am running because I know we can have a court that moves efficiently and treats people with respect. A court that upholds our laws while acknowledging real-world challenges. A court that strengthens confidence in our justice system, not erodes it.
My goal is simple: to serve with integrity, compassion, and the unwavering belief that justice must be fair, equal, and accessible to all.
