Making history is Darden family tradition

Her grandfather was the mayor of Sandusky. Her father was a standout football player, first at Sandusky High School, then at the University of Michigan before he joined the Cleveland Browns in the 1970s. Perhaps nobody should be surprised that Marisa T. Darden just made state history as the first Black woman to serve as U.S. district attorney for Ohio's Northern District. The U.S. Senate confirmed Darden's nomination Wednesday. In her new role as U.S. district attorney, she will serve as the top prosecutor over the 6 million residents of the Cleveland, Akron and Toledo areas for Ohio's Northern District. The apple, as they say, does not fall far from the tree. U.S. District Attorney Marisa T. Darden Provided photo We've known Marisa Darden's grandfather, the Rev. Thomas Darden, for many years. He is a man who is accomplished, enormously respectful and humble. We wish it wasn't so — that there would be no more need to count firsts — but the Rev. Darden was the city's first Black commissioner and later its mayor, similar to Marisa Darden being the first Black woman in her new role. For many of us, we also remember when her father — Thom Darden — was on the field at Strobel Field and later at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. For many years, he was one of our own, playing for our favorite pro team. He holds the Cleveland franchise record for making the most interceptions. Marisa Darden's nomination came from the White House in November. She spent eight years as an assistant district attorney in both New York and Cleveland and began practicing international law out of Cleveland in 2019. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, made the recommendation to President Joe Biden, telling him she would bring a "wealth of knowledge and experience to lead the Northern District with excellence." Brown also said Marisa Darden served her community as a priority throughout her legal career. That, too, is a family trait, the same as her ambition. Rev. Darden said Marisa had her sights on this future since she was a teen and has put in the sweat to get here. "I'm lost for words, we are so excited," he said. "It's an answer to our prayers. She has worked so diligently since she was in high school, then through college." We are moved also, and Rev. Darden's observation, that Marisa's confirmation comes just three weeks after Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed as a U.S. Supreme Court justice is not lost on us. Jackson is the first Black woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court. The importance of that larger, wider, more diverse perspective, should not be lost on anyone. "With Judge Jackson's nomination, it's situated our efforts for Marisa," Rev. Darden said. "Seeing history being made and being part of that now seeing one of your own making history, I'm lost for words. It's exciting to see." Rev. Darden and his wife, Thelma Darden, their son Thom Darden and now Marisa Darden have always been part of that trajectory toward a better world. We're so proud Sandusky is home for this family.