Judge Joy Malek Oldfield

Judge Joy Malek Oldfield Judge Oldfield serves on Summit County Common Pleas Court & Presiding Judge, Turning Point Program

Paid for by: Judge Joy Oldfield Committee

I spent time this week with judges across the state at our Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association conference, learning tog...
06/06/2026

I spent time this week with judges across the state at our Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association conference, learning together about best practices to do our jobs. As I drove back into town from Cincinnati, I knew I had the Gay Community Endowment Fund 25th anniversary, but I was tired and pulled into my driveway thinking I would skip it. Something made me walk inside my house, change my clothes and head back out. And I’m so glad I did. I met Jim Obergefell, the man who sued the state of Ohio in 2013 so that he could legally marry the person he loved. And he won. He is now known as an American civil rights activist. But he and John Arthur started out simply as a couple in a twenty plus year relationship who fought to make sure John’s death certificate would not say he was single when he died. Because he wasn’t. Their story overwhelmed me. Jim said last night “no human being should have to go to a courtroom to fight for the right to exist.” And he’s correct. This is not about your religious beliefs. This is about what rights our government should acknowledge and protect for all our citizens. Standing there with him and two of my dearest friends - men whose wedding I had the privilege to officiate - reminded me how important it is to have people in those courtrooms who value the civil rights of others. I’m grateful to be one of those people. A perfect ending to a perfect week.

Judge Joy has parades across Summit County through the November election. Thanks to all our supporters for taking time t...
06/05/2026

Judge Joy has parades across Summit County through the November election. Thanks to all our supporters for taking time to walk with us. We are so grateful for your time and energy. If you’re interested in walking in one of the upcoming parades, you can (1) reach out to the amazing Benny Rich - the official Judge Joy parade coordinator, (2) comment below and he will find you!, or (3) send a message to [email protected]. We provide the shirt and the candy! You provide the fun! Let’s work together to show the community our support to keep Judge Joy in Common Pleas Court!

June 6 - Kenmore Better Block **TOMORROW**
June 20 - Akron Juneteenth
July 4 - Stow 4th of July
August 9 - Richfield Community Days
August 22 - Akron PRIDE March
August 31 - Akron City Festival
September 7 - Barberton Labor Day
October 3 - Norton Cider Fest

At our Summit County Democratic Party Franklin D. Roosevelt dinner, I caught up with so many people who do such good wor...
05/30/2026

At our Summit County Democratic Party Franklin D. Roosevelt dinner, I caught up with so many people who do such good work for our community. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval was an engaging and funny keynote speaker who inspired me to remember my goals in public service. My favorite part of the evening? The little girl on her way to a softball game who led us in the pledge of allegiance. Congratulations to all the honorees and especially my judicial colleague, Stow Municipal Court Judge Amber Zibritosky, who continues to shine. ❤️

Today Retired Colonel Patrick A. Disney, a former U.S. Army brigade commander and Hudson resident, reminded us that Memo...
05/25/2026

Today Retired Colonel Patrick A. Disney, a former U.S. Army brigade commander and Hudson resident, reminded us that Memorial Day is meant to honor those men and women who lost their lives in service to our country. I am so grateful to all my volunteers for helping me observe and recognize this day through participation in parades across Summit County. From Cuyahoga Falls to Hudson to Green to Lakemore, we marched with the freedom you can only receive when others lay their lives down so you can enjoy yours. Dr. Amanda Weinstein, Hudson City Council At-Large, spoke at the Hudson Memorial Day Ceremony. She recited part of a poem from Charles Province that resonated with me:

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Thank you to those brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom. Memory eternal.

Usually when I see someone in court it’s one of their worst days. The individual has either been victimized, caused harm...
05/25/2026

Usually when I see someone in court it’s one of their worst days. The individual has either been victimized, caused harm to themselves or someone else, or is involved in a major civil law dispute. When I see someone who needs rehabilitation, I try to help them to work hard to reclaim their life, make better choices and accomplish stability. Daryl was doing that when he was unfortunately struck by tragedy. Daryl had been sober since January, was working, gaining sober support and had a positive attitude. He was on the path to a life without the court system and was always helpful to others. Although his death was untimely, his sobriety allowed him to give the gift of life to others as an organ donor. As I sat through his beautiful memorial yesterday at Grace Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio, I marveled at the number of people who came to pay their respects. And it reminded me that the snapshot of the person in court is just that- a snapshot. Each individual has so many layers - like all of us. It’s important to remember that we are all better than our worst mistakes. I’m so proud of all Daryl accomplished and although he will be missed - I’m confident he is happy today and free from the struggles of this world. Memory eternal Daryl. You mattered to us.

Calling all volunteers! If you’d like to walk for Judge Oldfield in one of the Memorial Day parades across the county, p...
05/20/2026

Calling all volunteers! If you’d like to walk for Judge Oldfield in one of the Memorial Day parades across the county, please comment below or send an email to [email protected]. If you can’t walk with the group, but you’re planning to be out and about at one of the parades with family or friends and would wanna sport a Judge Joy shirt, reach out and we will get you one! Thanks for all your love and support. It takes a lot of people to run a successful campaign!

Congratulations to United Baptist Church on the kickoff of 100 Years of Faith! It’s hard to take time away from your own...
05/19/2026

Congratulations to United Baptist Church on the kickoff of 100 Years of Faith! It’s hard to take time away from your own home parish - but not when you’re welcomed with open arms like the folks at United always do. Until I began my career in public service, I didn’t know that the Black church played such an influential and pivotal role in the lives of its congregants and the communities that it serves. According to an essay by Leah Daughtry in The Berkeley Forum, the Black church has influence which “extends far beyond Sunday sermons...The Black Church has long served as a central locus of education and engagement for the Black community, be that spiritual, social, or political.” In 2011, United was the first Black church that welcomed me as I ran for office. I recall the day - it was April 22 - Good Friday. The church service was “The Seven Last Words of Christ.” The speakers were seven dynamic women of the church and community, and included Dr Charlotte Wade. The service moved me immeasurably. Since then I’ve stayed involved in different events hosted by Pastor Kevin Rushing, First Lady Svette Rushing and their congregation - from picnics to baking contests to church events. The community at United is warm and welcoming and doesn’t think twice about a Catholic friend visiting on a Sunday. I’m excited to join you this year as you celebrate 100 years - and proud to support your faith filled journey. Here’s to the next 100 years of impact and influence in our community!

Thank you to ARC Recovery Services for inviting me to be your keynote speaker at the 2026 Arise, Shine Benefit Dinner & ...
05/17/2026

Thank you to ARC Recovery Services for inviting me to be your keynote speaker at the 2026 Arise, Shine Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction. I remember being in the church basement when this dinner began and look at you now. You have a fierce leader in Reba Mccray and I’m proud to walk alongside you in your work to help people create lives they can be proud of. It’s especially meaningful to me to see all those people who graduated from Summit County Turning Point Program, and celebrate with them as friends. Be sure to join and stay active with Benny Rich and our Summit County Turning Point Program Alumni Group. Your example is a light for others. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

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209 S High Street
Akron, OH
44308

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