On June 1, 2026, at the start of Caribbean Heritage Month, Bahamian American Judge J. Machelle Sweeting cemented her name in Central Park as she was honored with her own seat at the Delacorte theater home of Shakespeare in the Park. She was first introduced to Shakespeare while a middle school student in the nearby McBurney school.
The Delacorte Theater, nestled in the heart of Central Park, stands as one of New York City’s most treasured cultural landmarks and the longtime home of Free Shakespeare in the Park. Opened in 1962 through the vision of theater pioneer Joseph Papp, the Delacorte was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that great art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income or background. For more than six decades, millions of New Yorkers and visitors have gathered under the stars to experience Shakespeare’s timeless works free of charge, transforming the theater into a living symbol of democracy, community, and cultural inclusion. By making world-class performances available to all, the Delacorte continues to affirm that the arts are not a privilege for the few, but a public good that enriches the entire city.
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Judge Sweeting’s commitment to the arts and public service is critical to ensuring that The Delacorte and great theater remains free and accessible to the public and for future generations to come.
