NEW YORK, NY – The Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA), in partnership with the Judicial Friends Association, hosted its annual Celebration of Black Judges on February 4, 2025, at the historic Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Lower Manhattan.
A signature event in MBBA’s Black History Month programming, the evening featured welcome remarks from the Hon. Laura Taylor Swain, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Judge Swain reflected on her experience clerking for the legendary Hon. Constance Baker Motley, sharing how Justice Motley’s approach to justice profoundly shaped her own path to the bench. She noted that many of Justice Motley’s clerks went on to become judges, underscoring her enduring impact on the judiciary.
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Following Judge Swain’s remarks, the Hon. Lola Waterman of Kings County Civil Court led a stirring invocation. Ms. Donna Perry then delivered a moving rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by a powerful performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, also known as the Black National Anthem.
The Hon. Paul Wooten, Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, and First Vice President of the Judicial Friends Association, was introduced by President-Elect Justina K. Rivera, Esq., and paid tribute to the jurists in attendance, recognizing them as pillars of justice, leadership, and mentorship for future generations of Black attorneys and judges.
Each judge in attendance was individually recognized, standing as their names were read aloud to resounding applause in honor of their contributions to the administration of justice across New York State.
The keynote address was delivered by the Hon. Jessica G. L. Clarke, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York. Judge Clarke highlighted the profound influence of Black judicial mentors on her journey to the bench, including U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr., for whom she clerked. She noted that Judge Oliver’s own career was shaped by clerking for Hon. William H. Hastie, the first African American federal appellate judge in U.S. history.
The evening also included a special tribute to the late Hon. Carol Edmead, former Presiding Judge of the Appellate Term, First Department. Judge Edmead’s legacy as a trailblazing jurist, mentor, and prolific writer, with over 200 published decisions, was honored with deep appreciation for her lasting contributions to the legal profession.
MBBA President Nicole Lester Arrindell, Esq. delivered closing remarks, urging continued support for Black jurists.
“As we honor the extraordinary Black judges in our community, we are reminded of their essential role in upholding the rule of law, safeguarding democracy, and ensuring justice is not just a promise but a reality for all.”
Before concluding, President Arrindell invited attendees to join MBBA’s 41st Anniversary Awards Gala on May 16, 2025, where Hon. Paul Wooten will be honored as Jurist of the Year.
