Sixth Judicial District’s first African-American judge sworn in

IOWA CITY — The newest Sixth Judicial District Judge Kevin McKeever said Friday during his swearing-in that it was a 'special moment and great honor' to be part of an institution that provides a forum where all issues can be heard and resolved.

'My primary goal is make people feel they had their day in court,' McKeever said after taking the oath of office from Chief Judge Patrick Grady. 'My mother told me never make a promise you can't keep, so I won't promise to be a perfect judge, but I will work as hard as I can and be the best judge I can.'

McKeever, 46, of Iowa City, was appointed earlier this month to fill the vacancy created by Judge Douglas Russell, who retired this year and took senior status. McKeever had been assistant Muscatine County Attorney since 2011.

McKeever will be the first African-American judge in the 6th district, which includes, Linn, Jones, Benton, Iowa, Tama and Johnson counties. When asked about that before the ceremony on Friday, McKeever said he wasn't focused on that fact, but he will likely be introspective later.

Grady said McKeever will be a great judge for the district.

'He is comfortable around people and has a good demeanor for a judge. Everybody has spoke highly of him,' Grady said.

Muscatine County Attorney Alan Ostergren, McKeever's former boss, said during the ceremony that he will do a 'fantastic job' for the district and will treat everyone equally and fairly.

'I wished I worked in the district so I could go before him,' Ostergren said, grinning.

Ka Vang Chatham, a Ramsey County, Minn., former colleague and friend, called McKeever compassionate, intelligent, a committed family man and friend and above all, an honorable man with the highest integrity.

Chatham also introduced his family, saying 'Behind every great man is a greater woman — his wife, Candace." His daughter Ebony was also at the ceremony, but his son, Kevin Jr., couldn't attend because he had a college exam.

Many family members from out of state and friends and colleagues from Iowa City, Muscatine and Minnesota, and most of the other Sixth Judicial District judges were also at the ceremony.

Before working as a county attorney in Muscatine, McKeever served as a staff attorney at ACT Inc. and was an assistant county attorney in Minnesota. He received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in 1991 and his law degree from the University of Iowa in 2001.

McKeever served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1991to 1998, and as Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves from 1999 to 2007.