It was an evening filled with pride, purpose, and powerful recognition as the NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch hosted its 2025 Women’s History Month celebration on March 26 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. With this year’s theme, “Women in Law and the Judiciary,” the event honored five distinguished women judges with the prestigious Shirley Stewart-Farmer Women of Excellence Award.
The honorees—The Honorable Judges Tanya R. Kennedy, J. Machelle Sweeting, Michele Rodney, Anna A. Lewis, and Erika Edwards—represent a vanguard of leadership, breaking barriers and redefining excellence in the New York State judicial system. Their presence and accomplishments served as a compelling reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done to ensure equity and justice for all.
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The evening brought together legal professionals, civic leaders, students, and community advocates in a spirited and uplifting celebration of these women’s enduring contributions to justice and public service. Each judge, in her own way, has transformed her courtroom into a space of dignity, fairness, and empowerment.
President of the NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch, Kyndell A. Reid, also an attorney, opened the evening by highlighting the vital importance of recognizing women in law during Women’s History Month. “These women not only uphold the law, they shape it,” she declared. “They bring empathy, integrity, and a deep understanding of justice to every courtroom they enter. Tonight, we honor their courage, brilliance, and the doors they’ve opened for those who follow.”
The Shirley Stewart-Farmer Women of Excellence Award—named after the late attorney and civic leader who devoted her life to civil rights and community service—recognizes women whose careers are marked by professional distinction, public service, and a dedication to justice. This year’s recipients exemplify these ideals.
Community leader and former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields introduced each judge, speaking to their accomplishments and their shared commitment to mentoring and community uplift.
The Honorable Judge Tanya R. Kennedy, currently serving on the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, first department – the second highest court in the state—was honored for her powerful legal scholarship, her commitment to mentorship, and her efforts to promote diversity and equity in the judiciary. Known for her sharp intellect and steady leadership, Judge Kennedy has been a beacon for young attorneys, particularly women of color, throughout her career.
Judge J. Machelle Sweeting, elected from Harlem’s historic 10th Municipal Court District, now serves as an Acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. Her deep commitment to justice and fairness, especially during life’s most trying moments, has earned her admiration for her compassionate and principled approach to the bench.
Judge Michele Rodney, who presides in New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, was celebrated for being a passionate advocate of education and mentorship. Uplifting and inspiring those around her to meet their personal and professional goals is very important. Judge Rodney is a member of the advisory committee of Judicial Ethics for the United Court System.
Judge Anna A. Lewis, of the New York City Civil Court, New York County, was recognized for her unwavering commitment to the fair application of the law and her advocacy for greater inclusion within the judiciary. Her dedication to transparency and justice has earned her widespread respect among peers and the communities she serves.
Judge Erika Edwards, who currently presides in Drug Treatment Court in the New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, has served in both civil and criminal court and was honored for her dynamic presence on the bench and beyond. A former President of the Judicial Friends—a network of judges of color—Judge Edwards is known for her tireless efforts to uplift others and to champion civil rights, offering alternatives to incarceration and promoting community-focused justice.
Throughout the evening, the honorees shared moving reflections on their personal journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the mentors and communities who supported them. Their words resonated deeply with attendees, serving both as testimony and as inspiration.
Judge Sweeting reminded the audience, “Representation in the judiciary is not just about diversity. It’s about justice being seen, heard, and felt in every community.”
Judge Kennedy emphasized the collective responsibility of leadership: “It is our duty to reach back, to lift as we climb, and to ensure that the doors we’ve walked through remain open for others.”
A deeply meaningful and poignant part of the evening was the remembrance of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, the beloved civil rights leader and longtime NAACP icon who recently passed away. Throughout the night, speakers and honorees took time to pay tribute to her life, legacy, and indelible impact on generations of activists and public servants.
Judge Michele Rodney, in particular, shared heartfelt remarks about Dr. Dukes, recalling an event last year where Dr. Dukes literally and figuratively passed the baton to those coming after her. Judge Rodney’s remembrance was both moving and empowering—a reminder of the lineage of leadership and the responsibility carried forward.
The night concluded with a resounding sense of gratitude and inspiration. The NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch not only honored the achievements of these remarkable women but also encouraged the next generation to envision their own paths to justice, leadership, and service.
