For half a century, the Judicial Friends Association has stood as an important institution in the continuing struggle for equality, representation, and justice within New York’s judicial system. Founded at a time when African Americans faced significant barriers to advancement in the legal profession, the organisation has helped open doors, strengthen the judiciary, mentor future generations and reinforce the principle that justice must be accessible to all.
As the Judicial Friends Association celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, its history offers a reminder of how far the legal profession has advanced and how much remains to be accomplished in ensuring that the institutions administering justice reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
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Established in 1976 by a pioneering group of African American judges serving in New York’s state and federal courts, the association emerged from a determination to secure fair treatment for Black judges, judicial employees and attorneys. Among its founders were Judges J. B. Williams, Ennis Edwards, Fritz Alexander, Howard Bell, Frank Morton, Andrew Tyler and Edith Miller, individuals whose leadership helped establish an institutional foundation for progress.
The association initially operated as the New York affiliate of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association, itself created in response to the exclusion of African Americans from established professional organisations. Its formation represented more than professional solidarity. It reflected a recognition that the administration of justice could not achieve its full promise while qualified individuals continued to encounter barriers because of race.
Over the decades, Judicial Friends has become an influential network of judges serving at virtually every level of New York’s judicial system. Its members have contributed to judicial education, mentoring, professional development and programmes designed to increase public understanding of the courts.
An especially important dimension of its work has been the encouragement and advancement of young people entering the legal profession. Through scholarships, judicial internships and mentoring opportunities, the association and its charitable foundation have helped aspiring attorneys gain valuable experience, develop professional relationships and pursue careers that might otherwise have appeared beyond their reach.
For New York’s Caribbean American community, whose members have increasingly distinguished themselves in the legal profession and judiciary, this mission carries particular significance. The growing presence of judges of Caribbean heritage reflects both the opportunities created through earlier struggles and the continuing importance of institutions committed to diversity, professional excellence and public service.
The organisation has also demonstrated an appreciation for history and the responsibility to preserve the contributions of those who broke racial barriers. Its annual event, Toney and Watson Dinner commemorates three pioneering African American jurists. Charles E. Toney and James S. Watson became the first African Americans elected to judicial office in New York in 1930, while Francis E. Rivers, elected to the New York City Court in 1943, became the nation’s highest-ranking Black judge at that time.
The association’s tradition of recognising judicial achievement has included such distinguished figures as Thurgood Marshall, Constance Baker Motley and Robert L. Carter, whose contributions helped transform American law and expand the possibilities of equal citizenship.
Equally meaningful has been its annual Law Sermon, first held in Brooklyn in 1979, which reflects the historical relationship between the Black church, the struggle for civil rights and the moral responsibilities associated with administering justice.
This distinguished legacy will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, when the Foundation for the Judicial Friends hosts the association’s 50th Anniversary Gala at Antun’s, 96-43 Springfield Boulevard, Queens Village, New York, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The anniversary celebration will honour New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Honorable Norman St. George and legal scholar and attorney Gloria J. Browne-Marshall for their contributions to law, leadership and public service.
The occasion will also provide an opportunity to raise support for the foundation’s educational and charitable activities. Among its initiatives are scholarships for law students demonstrating academic excellence, community service and a commitment to social and racial justice. Two scholarships of $5,000 each are scheduled to be awarded in connection with this year’s gala.
At a time when questions of fairness, equal treatment and public confidence in the judicial system remain central to national discussion, the work of Judicial Friends continues to be particularly relevant.
Its 50th anniversary is therefore more than a celebration of organisational longevity. It is an affirmation of the responsibility to preserve the gains of earlier generations while preparing new generations of legal professionals to carry forward the unfinished work of justice.
For the Caribbean American and broader Black communities, the anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise an institution whose influence extends well beyond the courtroom and whose commitment to equality, opportunity and service deserves continued support.
GALA INFORMATION: Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Antun’s, 96-43 Springfield Boulevard, Queens Village, NY 11429. Tickets, journal advertisements and sponsorship opportunities are available through the Foundation for the Judicial Friends. Information: www.judicialfriends.org.
