2021 Thirtieth Anniversary - Diversity Awards Journal

30WILLIAMS JUDICIALFRANKLIN H.COMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY
DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

1991 2021

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS AND THOSE WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE

“…as we look to the new century, creation of an
atmosphere without even the appearance of racial bias
must be the prime objective of our courts…we should not

open the wound unless we are prepared to heal it.”

— FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS

NEW YOTHRIKRTSITEATTHE ASUNPNRIVEEMRESACROYURDTIV, REORSTIUTYNDAAWA♦RDNSOJVOEUMRBNEARL9, 2021







To the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission,

I am honored to have the opportunity to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Franklin H. Williams
Judicial Commission on their thirtieth anniversary of serving as a permanent entity in the New York
State court system, as well as to those individuals and organizations who have been recognized by the
Commission’s Diversity Awards for their tremendous contributions to achieving racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts and our legal community. Since its establishment in 1991 shortly after Franklin H.
Williams chaired the New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities, the Williams Commission has
been at the forefront of the state courts’ efforts to combat bias and promote a diverse court system that
is reflective of the communities which we serve. This remarkable achievement and history of service
highlights the longstanding need of our courts and other public institutions to recognize and combat
racism, discrimination, and bias – both implicit and explicit. While the significance of this mission has
been particularly highlighted over the past several months, these efforts, and the Williams
Commission’s role at their center, are always critical to operating a fair system of justice.

In June 2020, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore commissioned former Obama Administration Cabinet
member Jeh Johnson to conduct a thorough review on issues of racial bias within the New York State
court system. The ensuing report from Secretary Johnson and his team, created with the invaluable
assistance of the Williams Commission, identified that racism and bias remain very present throughout
and within our court system. The report also set forth 13 distinct recommendations on how we can and
must do better to combat racism within the courts and promote a more equitable justice system for all.

The second of these 13 recommendations calls for the promotion of those existing, longstanding
institutions tasked with addressing issues of racial bias and discrimination within the courts. Long
before Jeh Johnson and his team issued their report, the Williams Commission has been committed to
fighting for racial justice within the court system since its inception. Their ongoing endeavors to
promote fairness and equity within our systems of justice has served as the beacon from which our
current efforts to realize equal justice emanate.

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission’s work in championing diversity and racial fairness in
our court system improves not only the courts, but our communities and those around us in our
personal and professional spaces. The impact of this work is evident in those of you who have been
recognized in this year’s Diversity Awards. My thanks and congratulations go out to each of you, and to
the Williams Commission for their extraordinary achievements. I look forward to the years of continued
progress and milestones to come.

Best,

Hon. Edwina G. Mendelson
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives

CO-CHAIRS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hon. Shirley Troutman Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Esq.
Hon. Troy K. Webber
COUNSEL
MEMBERS Karlene A. Dennis, Esq.
Hon. Shahabuddeen A. Ally
Hon. Vanessa Bogan STAFF
Dr. Betty L. Campbell Kim Stephens
Hon. George B. Daniels
Hon. Kathie Davidson November 9, 2021
L. Austin D’Souza, Esq.
Hon. Lenora B. Foote-Beavers Dear Friends and Colleagues:
Thomas J. Garry, Esq.
Hon. Craig D. Hannah The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission wishes to thank those who have
Nadine C. Johnson, Esq. partnered with and supported our mission since our establishment as a permanent
Professor Paula C. Johnson, Esq. Commission some thirty years ago. We have been celebrating the legacy of
Lauren A. Jones, Esq. Ambassador Franklin H. Williams this year on the anniversary of his 104th
Hon. Barbara R. Kapnick birthday, by continuing the fight to eradicate systemic racism. Moreover, the
Paul Kenny, Esq. Commission recognizes that we have been able to accomplish what we have,
Porter L. Kirkwood, Esq. because Ambassador Williams constructed “a bridge to justice” which established
Francis M. Letro, Esq. a solid foundation for us to continue the work he began.
Hon. yvonne lewis
Hon. Doris Ling-Cohan The 2021 Diversity award recipients serve as examples of those who recognize
Hon. Michael Carlos López that in order for the bridge to justice to be more than a structure of convenience,
Major Clemont Mack they must contribute to its foundation by helping others not only to cross the
Hon. Mark A. Montour bridge, but ensuring those who follow them exceed the accomplishments of those
Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing who passed before them.
Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones
Hon. Richard Rivera The Commission has consistently endeavored to be a positive force in the court
Hon. Llinét M. Rosado system, both in front and behind the scenes, working to ensure people of color are
Hon. Robert E. Torres fairly represented in the court system. Those efforts have included: educating and
Adrienne Williams, Esq. seeking ways to improve cultural and racial sensitivity and ensuring a justice
system that is fair to all. This Thirtieth Anniversary is an opportunity for us to re-
CHAIR EMERITI dedicate ourselves to a set of values and standards that will move us towards a
Hon. Richard B. Lowe III more just system.
Hon. Rose H. Sconiers
Hon. Lewis L. Douglass We acknowledge the Chairpersons who led the organization prior to us taking the
helm. We willingly accept the mantle and we are committed to continuing to build
upon the foundation established by Ambassador Williams.

We additionally take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of Chief Judge
Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Marks. It is through our partnerships
and collaborative efforts with court leaders, administrators, fraternal organizations,
bar associations and community organizations that we will continue to make a
difference in the years to come.

Sincerely yours,

Hon. Shirley Troutman Hon. Troy K. Webber
FHW Commission Co-Chair FHW Commission Co-Chair
Associate Justice Associate Justice
Appellate Division, Fourth Department Appellate Division, First Department
[email protected] [email protected]

CO-CHAIRS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hon. Shirley Troutman Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Esq.
Hon. Troy K. Webber
COUNSEL
MEMBERS Karlene A. Dennis, Esq.
Hon. Shahabuddeen A. Ally
Hon. Vanessa Bogan STAFF
Dr. Betty L. Campbell Kim Stephens
Hon. George B. Daniels
Hon. Kathie Davidson November 9, 2021
L. Austin D’Souza, Esq.
Hon. Lenora B. Foote-Beavers Dear Friends and Colleagues:
Thomas J. Garry, Esq.
Hon. Craig D. Hannah I am elated to welcome you to the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission’s
Nadine C. Johnson, Esq. Thirtieth Anniversary - Diversity Awards program. This year marks the thirtieth
Professor Paula C. Johnson, Esq. anniversary of the first court-based commission in the country whose mission is to
Lauren A. Jones, Esq. ensure racial and ethnic fairness within the court system. In keeping with the
Hon. Barbara R. Kapnick legacy of its namesake, Franklin H. Williams, the Williams Commission has served
Paul Kenny, Esq. as a beacon of racial equity and justice to the legal profession and the community
Porter L. Kirkwood, Esq. alike. The Williams Commission has been at the forefront in addressing systemic
Francis M. Letro, Esq. racism and bias in the New York State Courts and ensuring that the judiciary and
Hon. yvonne lewis the court workforce is more diverse and inclusive. We celebrate the Commission’s
Hon. Doris Ling-Cohan milestone anniversary by recognizing the tireless efforts of the Commission Chairs
Hon. Michael Carlos López (past and present), Commission members and this evening’s outstanding
Major Clemont Mack honorees who have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting full and
Hon. Mark A. Montour equal participation and inclusion in the legal profession and in the court system.
Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing
Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones Despite these efforts, persons of color still experience barriers to racial equity in
Hon. Richard Rivera the court system, from overt acts of mistreatment and disrespect to structural
Hon. Llinét M. Rosado racism and bias. The Williams Commission remains unwavering in addressing the
Hon. Robert E. Torres treatment of people and communities of color within and without the court system.
Adrienne Williams, Esq. The Commission has steadfastly continued this work through meetings with court
leaders, conferences, training programs and community partnerships to ensure
CHAIR EMERITI that persons and communities of color receive dignity and fairness in the courts.
Hon. Richard B. Lowe III
Hon. Rose H. Sconiers In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it
Hon. Lewis L. Douglass bends toward justice.” Our fight is a worthy one which must be continued with
determination and hope, knowing that justice will ultimately prevail. Real change
and progress require all our combined efforts to bend the arc towards inclusion
and equity and ultimate triumph.

I am honored to be part of the charge and commit to ensuring that the Williams
Commission remains vigilant as we move towards the next decade as an agent for
change in the courts.

Each of us who works for social change is part of the mosaic of all who work for
justice; together we can accomplish multitudes ~ Deborah Ellis

Sincerely yours,

Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY CITATION

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

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THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

9

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY - DIVERSITY AWARDS CO-CHAIRS
Hon. Lenora Foote-Beavers and Nadine C. Johnson, Esq.
Commissioners of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

AGENDA

WELCOME

National Anthem
Lift Every Voice and Sing

GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Hon. Janet DiFiore

Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and the State of New York

Hon. Lawrence K. Marks
Chief Administrative Judge

Hon. Edwina Richardson Mendelson
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives

REMARKS
Hon. Troy K. Webber
Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department
Co-Chair of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

Hon. Shirley Troutman
Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department
Co-Chair of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTE

30TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

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PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Pipeline to Equity in Legal Education and the Profession

Dr. Jodie Roure
Advancement of Diversity Award

Jasmine I. Valle, Esq.
Leading the Way Award
Joy Anastasia Thompson, Esq.
Outstanding Legal Services Award

Lillian M. Moy, Esq.
Shattering Racial Ceiling Award
Donald Edwards, NYS Court Officer
Special Commendation Award

John M. Caher
Trailblazer Award
Hon. Randolph Treece

MUSICAL SELECTION

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Drum Major for Justice
Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Esq.

Hon. Sheila Abdus-Salaam Outstanding Jurist Award
Hon. La Tia W. Martin
Founders Award
Hon. Lewis L. Douglass

Bridge to Justice Award
Hon. Samuel L. Green

CLOSING

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

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FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Dr. Jodie Roure, JD, PhD

DR. JODIE ROURE is the Founder and Director of the John Jay College Rising Schol-
ars of Justice Pipeline Program, a comprehensive pre-law preparatory program that
partners with multiple law schools around the United States to diversify the legal
profession. For over two decades, Dr. Roure has provided participants with year-long law
school preparation and application support, securing the admissions and matriculation of
hundreds of low-income, first-generation, diverse, and underrepresented students into law
school and graduate school. In 2020, 13 students received combined acceptances to over
45 law schools with combined scholarships of $4.5 million. In 2021, 12 students received
combined acceptances to over 45 law schools with combined total scholarships of over $2
million. Dr. Roure is also an Associate Professor in the Latin American and Latinx Studies De-
partment at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY, where she has taught since 2000.

Dr. Roure is also the lead organizer, founder, and President of the Hurricane Maria As-
sistance & Relief Institutional Alliance, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. HMARIA serves the
charitable purpose of aiding victims of natural disasters and providing critical support and
resources to minority and underrepresented populations. In an effort to disrupt poverty and
create the next generation of leaders in our most impacted sectors, HMARIA, under Dr. Ro-
ure’s leadership, focuses its efforts on increasing access to educational and developmental
opportunities for a diverse population of aspiring doctors and lawyers.

Dr. Roure directs three diversity pipeline programs for persons interested in, or currently, pursuing
a career in law and medicine. She also engages her participants in the human rights and social
justice efforts she leads that support vulnerable populations. Her related work has been featured
on CNN, CNN Español, Telemundo, PBS, Eyewitness News NYC, and many other media channels.

Dr. Roure has served as a Special End Mass Incarceration Campaign Fellow with the Amer-
ican Civil Liberties Union. She was a Scholar in Residence at the Inter-American University
School of Law, Puerto Rico, from 2012-2013, where she taught while also working with the
Puerto Rico Judicial System to study the processing of domestic violence cases. She teaches
domestic violence/gender rights, criminal justice, international human rights, international
criminal justice, race, class, and ethnicity in the United States and Latina/o Studies.

Dr. Roure is a published scholar. She graduated from Douglass College, Rutgers University,
with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Spanish. She is a former United States
Supreme Court intern hired by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She obtained her Juris Doctor
from Western New England University School of Law. Since 2000, she has been married to
Jonathan Beane, the first SVP Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the National Football
League, and they have a set of twins, Anani and Jonathan.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

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PIPELINE TO EQUITY IN
LEGAL EDUCATION AND
THE PROFESSION AWARD

THANK YOU to the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission for this honor-
able recognition. A special thank you to Judges Joanne Quiñones and Llinét
Rosado and to the Latino Judges Association. Working to diversify the legal
profession is a collaborative endeavor and I share this award with all my partners.

Working daily for over two decades to overcome unimaginable obstacles imped-
ing access to underrepresented minorities and first-generation and low-income
aspiring lawyers is arduous. However, creating opportunities for 180+ diverse
lawyers and graduate students in public service and corporate sectors committed
to social justice is exhilarating! It truly gives me purpose.

I was initially inspired by my U.S. Supreme Court internship. Hired by Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I became the first Puerto Rican & Latinx intern in 206 years
to work at the U.S. Supreme Court’s Public Information Office & later Clerk’s
Office. The opportunity to observe the informal engagements between the Su-
preme Court Justices taught me that working together, regardless of difference,
mattered. It also taught me that representation matters. Watching the Court in
session confirmed my interest in learning more about the law. This experience
provided me access that no one in my family and community had ever had. The
exposure changed my life forever.

I am driven to create similar opportunities for diverse aspiring lawyers. I trust they
will support the work of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission. These out-
comes are exemplary of the legacy of Franklin H. Williams, who dedicated his life
to protecting and promoting civil and human rights for all. I will continue to stay
true to his mission. Thank you again for this great honor.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

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FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Jasmine I. Valle, Esq.

JASMINE I. VALLE was born and raised in Queens. Ms. Valle is currently
the Principal Law Clerk to Justice Lourdes M. Ventura, in Queens Supreme
Court-Civil Term. Ms. Valle previously served as a Court Attorney in Bronx
Criminal Court and Kings County Housing Court.
During Ms. Valle’s time in the Bronx, she served as a Union Representative on the
Citywide Association of Law Assistants (CALA), representing her fellow Court
Attorneys in Bronx Criminal Court. Prior to becoming a Court Attorney, she was a
Staff Attorney at the Legal Empowerment & Assistance Program (LEAP), where she
was promoted to Lead Staff Attorney.
Ms. Valle acquired her Juris Doctorate from the CUNY School of Law in 2013 and
her Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal
Justice in 2009. Ms. Valle is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.
Ms. Valle is a member of several bar and professional associations, including the
Dominican Bar Association, where she Co-Chairs the Young Lawyer and Youth
Outreach committees; the Hispanic National Bar Association Region II, where she
serves as Vice Chair of the Young Lawyers Division; and the Queens Women’s Bar
Association, where she currently serves as a State Delegate for the Association.
She has also been instrumental in the development of judicial internship programs
for several organizations and currently serves as a Judicial Internship Committee
Coordinator for the New York Chapter of the National Association of Women
Judges.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

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ADVANCEMENT OF
DIVERSITY AWARD

THANK YOU to the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission and staff for
organizing this wonderful event and for selecting me to be the recipient of
the Advancement of Diversity Award. I am a first-generation college and
law school graduate, which sometimes made my pursuit of the law feel like an
impossible feat. Although I prevailed and became an attorney, women of color are
still a minority within the legal profession. I hope that my presence offers a beacon
of hope for young legal aspirants who dare to dream as I did. When I became an
attorney, I vowed to provide others with opportunities that I did not have to en-
sure future generations experience a legal system that more accurately reflects the
community it serves. We must stand together on this critical mission of achieving
diversity, inclusion, and equal justice. I look forward to advancing that goal both
personally and within the court system.

I want you to know that I did not get here on my own and I share this award with
all of the special people who helped me get here. I want to thank Judge Joanne
Quiñones for nominating me for this award and I am continuously grateful for her
kindness, mentorship, and generosity. Thank you to Justice Lourdes M. Ventura
for being an amazing supervisor and a daily reminder to lift as we climb. Thank
you to my brothers, John, Zach, and Luke, for always encouraging me to be the
best version of myself; to my parents, Katherine and John, for raising me to be
the woman I am today and for never giving up on me, with a special acknowledg-
ment to my outstanding mother for being my first role model of a strong woman
who continues to balance both work and family without skipping a beat. To my
husband, Giovanny, for his endless love and support and to my daughter, Isabel, I
do it all for you so you may have a better future filled with endless possibilities. I
am elated to be here and to share this moment with all of you and I hope every-
one has a wonderful evening.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

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FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Joy Anastasia Thompson, Esq.

JOY ANASTASIA THOMPSON, ESQ., is committed to promoting the integrity
and diversity of the legal profession and serving the underserved. During her
tenure last year as president of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of
New York (WBASNY), Ms. Thompson worked hard to ensure that the voices of
members from all 20 chapters of the association throughout the state were rep-
resented and that WBASNY’s committee leadership reflected the state’s regional,
racial, and ethnic diversity.

Ms. Thompson is particularly proud of her work with the Diversity Committee of
the Brooklyn Bar Association (BBA), which she has chaired since its creation in
2019. Under her leadership, the Diversity Committee drafted the BBA’s first Diver-
sity Statement; participated in the Brooklyn Borough President’s “Breaking Bread,
Building Bonds” initiative to connect with people from various ethnicities, identi-
ties, and faiths; co-sponsored an estate planning workshop for seniors, with the
Fort Greene Council; and sponsored diversity credit Continuing Legal Education
Programs, such as “Race, Class, Power, and Privilege in Public Sector Law.”

Ms. Thompson is a member of the Committee on Character and Fitness for the 2nd,
10th, 11th, and 13th Districts (Appellate Division, 2nd Judicial Department). She has
volunteered with the Brooklyn Legal Pipeline Initiative and New York Cares, and she
is a former mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC. She is also an active member
and chair of the Scholarship Committee of the Manhattan chapter of Soroptimist
International, a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with
access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

In May 2021, Ms. Thompson received the BWBA’s prestigious Sybil Hart Kooper
Award. In March 2021, Ms. Thompson was named to City & State’s 2021 Law
Power 100 list of leading legal professionals in New York politics and government.
In 2012, Ms. Thompson received WBASNY’s Doris S. Hoffman Outstanding New
Lawyer Award.

A native New Yorker, Ms. Thompson was raised in Brooklyn. A career in newspa-
per journalism took Ms. Thompson from North Carolina to Southern California
to Northern Virginia, during which time she received several professional writing
awards. Ms. Thompson received her J.D. in 2008 from William & Mary Law School
in Williamsburg, Virginia. In her professional capacity, Ms. Thompson works as an
Assistant General Counsel with New York City’s Office of Administrative Trials and
Hearings (OATH). She is licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

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LEADING THE WAY AWARD

“Love all people.”

MY GRANDMOTHER, a child of the Jim Crow South, suffered the dual
injustices of racism and sexism throughout her life. Yet, she could look
into the eyes of her grandchild and say those words to me with abso-
lute conviction. And she lived those words until the day she died.

I struggled to understand what those words meant, practically. Ultimately, life and
experience provided me with a “working translation” ~ “Do your best to see the
humanity in others.” I have since accepted this charge as a personal mission and
strategy for success.

Changing the status quo in terms of diversity and inclusion requires commitment,
creativity, and persistence. The results — multicultural, multilingual, multitalented,
much more marketable — are worth the effort. In her book, Becoming, former
First Lady Michelle Obama described her approach to changing the homogenous
culture at her big law firm: “If we were serious about bringing in minority lawyers,
I asserted, we’d have to look more holistically at candidates.... The point wasn’t
to lower the firm’s high standards. It was to realize that by sticking with the most
rigid and old-school way of evaluating a new lawyer’s potential, we were over-
looking all sorts of people who could contribute to the firm’s success.”

True success looks like the diverse communities the legal profession serves. My
grandmother’s love and acceptance helped me realize my potential and place in
this world. As the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission honors me with the
Leading the Way Award, I honor her and myself by doing as much for others.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

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FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Lillian M. Moy, Esq.

LILLIAN M. MOY has been the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society
of Northeastern New York since 1995. She is a 1974 graduate of Hunter
College of the City University of New York and a 1981 graduate of Boston
University School of Law. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Albany
Medical Center.

Ms. Moy is a nationally recognized leader, writer, and trainer in the civil legal aid
community. Her particular areas of expertise are leadership development and di-
versity. Ms. Moy currently serves on the America Bar Association’s Commission on
Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession.

Ms. Moy is a past Chair of the Civil Policy Group and a past member of the Board
of the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. She is co-chair of the New
York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Racism, Social Equity and the Law and
serves on NYSBA’s President’s Committee on Access to Justice, Committee on
Legal Aid, and Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. Ms. Moy is also co-convener
of the New York Diversity Coalition, a group of legal services staff and managers
dedicated to raising and resolving diversity issues in the legal aid community.

Ms. Moy has been honored by the National Organization of Legal Services Work-
ers, the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Asian American
Bar Association of New York, the Schenectady County Bar Association, Lifepath,
Albany County, and the Catholic Charities Housing Office. She is this year’s recip-
ient of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission’s Outstanding Legal Services
Award. She was also honored with the New York State Bar Association’s Diversity
Trailblazer Award in 2013.

Ms. Moy lives in Albany, New York, and has two daughters and a beautiful, tall
granddaughter.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

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OUTSTANDING LEGAL
SERVICES AWARD

THANK YOU to the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission for this
recognition as an outstanding Legal Services leader. I am particular-
ly grateful to the Honorable Shirley Troutman and Honorable Troy
Webber, Co-Chairs of the Williams Commission, and to my local friends and
colleagues who serve on the Commission including the Honorable Rich-
ard Rivera and Sandra Rivera. I have been a Legal Aid lawyer for 40 years
in three different states, and throughout this time, I have struggled to be
recognized for who I am and to create welcoming environments for other
lawyers of color. It has been a joy to work with the Williams Commission
in these efforts. Nothing cuts through racial isolation like seeing and being
seen by another lawyer of color. I appreciate the opportunity to network
with other Legal Services lawyers of color, with judges of color, and with our
many clients of color. This work, and the work of the Williams Commission,
has served each of us and I am grateful to be recognized by the Williams
Commission. Again, my deepest thanks.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

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FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Officer Donald Edwards

OFFICER DONALD EDWARDS became a New York State Court Officer in 2007. After
graduating from the Court Officers Academy, he was assigned to Bronx Supreme
- Civil Term. Officer Donald Edwards was born in the Bronx. He viewed the ability
to work a few miles from where he grew up as an opportunity to utilize his knowledge and
experience to effectuate change in his community while simultaneously serving it.

He joined the New York State Fraternal Order of Police (NYSFOP) Court Officers Memorial
Lodge 35 in 2010. In 2013, he was elected to the lodge’s executive board as Sergeant-at-
Arms and immediately began working hard to make a difference. He seized the opportunity
to disseminate positive information as well as the benefits of the FOP through networking,
recruiting, and volunteering. In so doing, Lodge 35 tripled its membership.

Officer Edwards’ work ethic and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed. Mike Essig, President of
the NYSFOP, inquired whether Officer Edwards would be interested in running for a seat on
the State Board representing over 17,000 members throughout the state. Without hesita-
tion, Officer Edwards said yes and, in 2016, he was elected to the State Board as State Sgt-
at-Arms becoming the first African-American to sit on the State Board for NYSFOP.

As a board member, Officer Edwards is most proud of the task of assembling an FOP Honor Guard
to represent New York State. The Honor Guard,of which Officer Edwards is a member, is com-
prised of 12 officers from NYS Courts and NYC Corrections. The NYSFOP Honor Guard is the only
FOP Honor Guard in the nation. The unit represents New York State at various state and national
memorials, funeral details as well as at street re-namings, award ceremony dinners, and hopefully
national competition in the near future. Officer Edwards became the face for many minority offi-
cers, who after hearing his vision and goals for the organization, were encouraged to join.

Although Officer Edwards had family and friends in law enforcement, it was not until he
was working for NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, that he was able to witness how
the officers from the local precinct were able to interact with the community in a positive
way. It is at that point that Officer Edwards decided to follow the path to “Protect and
Serve” and become the change that would make a difference in his community.

Officer Edwards’ main inspiration for joining law enforcement was his father, Thomas LaVan, a
Vietnam Veteran, who served thirty-eight years with New York State Correction before his death
in December 2013 and his mother Elaine Edwards who was and continues to be the glue that
holds him together. Officer Edwards is determined to keep promoting the idea of community
policing because of his children, Ebony Edwards, Nija Newton, and his minor son, Davon Ed-
wards, who look up to him just like Officer Edwards had looked up to his father in uniform.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

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SHATTERING RACIAL
CEILING AWARD

IWOULD LIKE to take this opportunity to first thank God because without Him
this would not be possible. I would like to thank my parents for giving me the
structure, foundation, and strength to realize anything is possible with hard work.
Thank you to my sister Danette Edwards for always believing in my vision even
when I doubted myself. To my children - Ebony, Nija and Davon, you are the reason
why I continue to push forward. Thank you to the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Com-
mission and its Commission members, and those who nominated me for this pres-
tigious award. A special thanks to all the law firms and attorneys who have always
supported me and the vision of New York State Fraternal Order of Police (NYSFOP):
Patrick J. Mullaney, Esq., Mullaney and Associates; Nick Gjelaj, Esq., Zaremba Brown
PLLC; James McCorie, Esq., Sacks and Sacks, LLP; Neil Veilleux, Esq., Partner, Pill-
inger, Miller, Tarallo LLP; Dennis Ring Esq.; Wayne Whatley Esq.; Timothy Jones Esq.;
Robert Shaw, Esq.; Gustavo Alzugaray, Esq.; and Steve Kaufman, Esq. To my good
friends and family, Madam Clerk Sherron Durham and Captain Marcus Durham,
thank you for always believing in me and my vision. To Lt. Vincent Sinclair, thank
you for letting me know my worth. To Lodge President Lt. Frank Graniero and the
Executive Board of Lodge 35, thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance
to prove myself. To State President Mike Essig and NYSFOP Executive Board, thank
you for all your support and confidence. To Foundation President Bob Nero and the
Executive Board of NYSFOP Foundation, thank you for your support of myself and
the honor guard. And to my Supreme Court Officer’s Union President Pat Cullen and
executive board for giving me guidance through the process. To the members of the
NYSFOP Honor Guard Unit, thank you for all your hard work and dedication; it does
not go unnoticed. To my command operations department, thank you for allow-
ing me to incorporate work and FOP into my daily assignments. It is very helpful to
me. And last, but certainly not least, thank you to the membership of the NYSFOP,
because without you, there is no us.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

21

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

John M. Caher

JOHN M. CAHER, the court system’s senior advisor for strategic and technical
communications, is co-author (with Dr. Enid Gort) of a forthcoming biography
of Franklin H. Williams and the author or co-author of seven other books. Mr.
Caher is co-producer of the award-winning documentary, “A Bridge to Justice:
The Life of Franklin H. Willliams.” A former newspaper reporter and editor with
approximately 12,000 by-lined newspaper, magazine and law review articles to
his credit, Mr. Caher holds a journalism degree from Syracuse University and a
master’s degree in technical communications/graphics from Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute. His reporting has garnered more than 20 awards, including prestigious
honors from the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association
and the Erie County Bar Association.
He is a former communications director for the state Division of Criminal Justice
Services, and currently serves as vice chair of the Gender Fairness Committee of
the Third Judicial District. He was the first recipient of the committee’s Gender
Equity Award. John and his wife, Kathleen, are the proud parents of three daugh-
ters, Erin, Kerry and Norah.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

22

SPECIAL COMMENDATION
AWARD

ONE OF MY favorite scenes from one of my favorite books, To Kill a Mock-
ingbird, is when Atticus Finch tells his daughter: “You never really under-
stand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you
climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

The opportunity to work with the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, to
work with struggling youth through the U-CAN program, to serve as vice-chair of
the Third Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee and to support the efforts
of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion has opened my eyes, my mind and my heart,
allowing me to walk in different shoes and view the world and the justice system
from different lenses. Additionally, the opportunity to get to know Ambassador
Williams through our work on the film and the forthcoming biography was truly
a blessing. If I was able in some small way to advance the goal of equal justice in
the courts, that would be the professional achievement of my life.

I think if Franklin Williams were alive today, he would be delighted that the Com-
mission named in his honor remains as vibrant and robust as when he left us just
over 30 years ago. I think he would be pleased—but not satisfied—with the prog-
ress that has been made over the past three decades. For while Franklin Williams
was a bridge builder, he was not an appeaser, and for him, “good enough” was
never good enough.

With profound gratitude and humility, it is an honor to accept this award.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

23

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Hon. Randolph Treece

RANDOLPH F. TREECE currently works as of counsel to the law firm of E. Stewart Jones
Hacker Murphy LLC. Mr. Treece specializes in mediations and arbitrations. A Retired
Federal Judge with a diversified and memorable law career that spans forty-five (45)
years. Mr. Treece was appointed on April 26, 2001, as Magistrate Judge to the United States
District Court for the Northern District of New York. On September 14, 2009, Judge Treece
was re-appointed to a second term as United States Magistrate Judge, retiring on Septem-
ber 25, 2015. Mr. Treece was the first African-American to be appointed to the federal
judiciary in the Northern District of New York and the first person of color to be appointed
or elected to the judiciary at any level, state or federal, in 104 years in eastern, upstate New
York. James Campbell Matthews, an African-American, served as a judge to the Recorder
Court (now known as City Court) for Albany in the 1890s.

Prior to his appointment as Magistrate Judge, Mr. Treece served as Counsel to the Office of
the State Comptroller in H. Carl McCall’s administration and directed and coordinated all
aspects of the Division of Legal Services in accordance with the Comptroller’s overall goals,
objectives and philosophy. Prior to his appointment as Counsel in February 1999, Mr. Treece
served as First Deputy Capital Defender of the New York State Capital Defender Office,
appointed in September 1995 to manage the Albany Office, and provide trial level representa-
tion to those accused of murder in the first degree who may face the sentence of death.

Mr. Treece was born and raised in Troy, New York, the oldest of three children of Margue-
rite Smith and John Treece. He graduated from Lansingburgh High School with a Regents
Diploma and as a member of the Honor Society. Mr. Treece graduated from Siena College
in 1970 with a B.B.A. in Accounting.

After graduation, he worked with the big eight accounting firm of Peat, Marwick and Mitchell
until he entered Albany Law School in 1973. He earned a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law
School in 1976 and promptly commenced a private practice, specializing in criminal law and
litigation. Mr. Treece maintained his private practice for eleven years. While in private prac-
tice, he also served as an Assistant Public Defender for Rensselaer County and taught at two
area junior colleges. In 1987 Mr. Treece joined the New York State Department of Law as an
Assistant Attorney General, practicing civil litigation until September 1995.

Mr. Treece is married to Deborah S. Day-Treece. He has one child, Shani Anasa Treece, who
graduated from Hampton University with honors and he is the proud grandfather of Nzinga
Anasa Braswell.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

24

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

TRAILBLAZER. I am honored by this distinction, and yet I hope you would not
think ill of me when I advise you with all humility that I may not be deserv-
ing of this noble title – Trailblazer.

In my view a trailblazer is reserved for those whose lives changed the world. It is
reserved for visionaries, wise and prudent people, and courageous warriors who
risk so much for us. A trailblazer endures and perseveres through unimaginable
trials and tribulations to remove all obstacles and clear the path so that we would
eventually tread those paths less scathed and bruised.

Indeed, I acknowledge traveling those cleared paths throughout my legal career
and attributed all that I have done to those trailblazers.

Therefore, it must be seen through the prism of a more appropriate historical
context that my contributions to advance attorneys of color pale in comparison to
those crusaders and trailblazers whose sacrifices made it possible for me to stand
before you today.

During my forty-five years as an attorney, I have participated, in some small
measure, in that effort to bring attention to our cause and how the profession is
enriched by the wonderful talents of attorneys of color.

I am grateful that someone thought enough of me and my years as a lawyer and
a judge to nominate me for this award and that the Franklin H. Williams Judicial
Commission graciously extends such an award to me. Thank you for considering
me worthy of this magnificent recognition.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

25

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Esq.

BORN IN DETROIT, Michigan, Joyce Y. Hartsfield received her undergraduate
degree from Wayne State University. After graduation, she attended Syra-
cuse University where she received her Master’s degree in Education and her
Juris Doctorate. Ms. Hartsfield was admitted to practice law in the State of New
York in 1979.

In 1982, Ms. Hartsfield entered private practice. An important part of Ms. Harts-
field’s career has been her role as the Executive Director of the Franklin H. Williams
Judicial Commission. In that capacity, she has planned national conferences and
local programs on diversity. It is the mission of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial
Commission to educate and advise decision makers in the New York Court System
on the issues affecting both employees and litigants and to implement recommen-
dations to address those issues in a fair and just manner. Ms. Hartsfield retired as
the Executive Director in December 2019.

In 2006, Ms. Hartsfield was elected President of the Bronx County Bar Association
with a membership of over one thousand lawyers. She has received numerous
awards over the past forty-two years, including the African American Legal De-
fense Fund Attorney Merit Award, the Ruth Whaley Award from the Black Women
Attorneys of New York State, the Ivan Warner Outstanding Lawyer’s Award, the
New York County Lawyers Association Diversity Award and, in 2017, she received
the Honorable Theodore T. Jones, Jr., Lifetime Achievement Award from the New
York State Unified Court System Committee for Black History Month.

During her career, Ms. Hartsfield has mentored many high school and law stu-
dents. Ms. Hartsfield’s motto is to always try to help and to encourage new attor-
neys and court personnel within the system, just as she was helped and encour-
aged when she was a new attorney. Giving to others is one of life’s rewards.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

26

DRUM MAJOR FOR
JUSTICE AWARD

IAM AMAZED at how quickly the time passes in one’s life. As a little girl, I remem-
ber the struggles of the people in the North, South, East, and West to achieve the
right to vote. My family’s emphasis was on the South since my mother was born
in Montgomery, Alabama in 1924 and my father was born in Cottage Grove, Ten-
nessee in 1921, but raised in Mayfield, Kentucky. When the Voting Rights Act was
signed in 1965, everyone cheered because achieving such a fundamental right had
been realized. Fast forward to 2021, I find it amazing that we are still using words
like “voter suppression.”

I do not think I will ever understand inhumanity towards others. But I do know that
there is always a clarion call for the good people to stay united and push forward, be-
cause evil cannot dominate when there is a united opposition. I am glad to have been
a small part of working towards diversity and inclusion within the Court system.

There were always judges that, like E.F. Hutton, when they spoke, others listened and
acted. Justice Craig Dorian was one. After the Commission met with him, he imme-
diately began to look at titles and positions in his Judicial District, not only to see how
he can make improvements, but how he could immediately implement programs
and policies to achieve those goals. I do not mention him to say he was the only one.
There were other Administrative Judges that worked honestly and closely with us.
Those that gave us lip service did not necessarily do so out of malice. However, tack-
ling racial and ethnic issues in the court system requires heart and stamina.

I also know that if there was a downfall, it was in the failure to monitor and rec-
ognize the animosity that was developing within the system that would be hard to
control. But when you see it or hear it, it must be dealt with swiftly and appropri-
ately. I believe that is happening now on a more intensive level and we will all be
the better for it. Progress is sometimes painful but, as the exercise routine says, “No
Pain, No Gain”. Thank you for this recognition of the Commission’s work while I
was the Executive Director.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

27

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Hon. La Tia W. Martin

HONORABLE LA TIA W. MARTIN graduated from Boston University School of Manage-
ment with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Thereafter, Judge Martin graduated from the
Rutgers University School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor degree. She attended the
National Judicial College, John F. Kennedy School of Government, and the Aspen Institute.

Upon graduation from law school in 1979, Judge Martin was appointed as an Assistant
District Attorney with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. She prosecuted criminal
cases in both the criminal and supreme courts. Judge Martin conducted numerous criminal
pre-trial hearings as well as trials during her tenure. In 1982, Judge Martin was appointed by
the Department of Investigation Commissioner as the Inspector General of the New York City
Department of Consumer Affairs by the Commissioner of the agency. In 1984, Judge Martin
was appointed by the Department of Investigation Commissioner as the Inspector General of
four New York City agencies: the Department of Finance, Tax Commission, Financial Informa-
tion Services Agency, and Office of Payroll Administration. She was responsible for the overall
supervision of major criminal and administrative investigations. In 1990, Judge Martin was
appointed General Counsel for the New York City Office of the Sheriff. She rendered advice
to the agency commissioner and department heads in all legal matters involving the agency.
Judge Martin also conducted peace officer training courses for deputy sheriffs.

In 1995, Judge Martin was appointed by the New York City Mayor to the Criminal Court
bench. Judge Martin presided over all criminal matters, including felony and misdemeanor
arraignments, misdemeanor pre-trial hearings, and trials.

In 1996, Judge Martin was assigned to the Bronx County Criminal Court Domestic Violence
Part. Under her leadership, all domestic violence cases were centralized and adjudicated
uniformly. This specialized court provided counseling services and enhanced resources to both
the victims and defendants. Her initiatives have balanced the interests of crime victims, the
community at large, and sentenced offenders. The Domestic Violence Court was designated
as the domestic violence model for the entire City of New York. In 1998, Judge Martin was
elected to the Bronx County Civil Court. In 2002, she was elected to the Bronx County Su-
preme Court for a term of fourteen years and was reelected in 2016.

Justice Martin initially presided over the sole matrimonial part in the Bronx County Supreme
Court, deciding issues relating to domestic violence, support, equitable distribution of property,
custody and visitation. During 2006 through 2009, Justice Martin was assigned to the West-
chester County Supreme Court Matrimonial Part to offer her expertise and assistance in the
adjudication of matrimonial cases involving complex financial matters. Justice Martin was ap-
pointed to the position of Supervising Judge of the Matrimonial Division of Bronx County. Judge
Martin is the 29th President of the National Association of Women Judges.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

28

HON. SHEILA ABDUS-SALAAM
OUTSTANDING JURIST AWARD

IAM TRULY humbled and honored to accept this prestigious Hon. Sheila Abdus-Salaam
Outstanding Jurist Award. I am ever so saddened that my former colleague and “sister” is
not with us to celebrate the accomplishments of the Scales of Justice Academy students.
She clearly demonstrated her commitment to the Academy by serving as a lecturer and men-
tor for so many years. She passionately shared her life experiences, knowledge of the law
and sage advice on how to achieve one’s goals with the female high school students. In
addition, Judge Abdus-Salaam graciously offered internships to the Academy students and
the opportunity to freely contact her.
In 2009, I had a vision for the creation of a legal educational immersion program for out-
standing yet underserved female high school students. At that time, I was an adjunct faculty
member at the Pace University School of Law and the Dean offered to host the first Acad-
emy session at that location. With the support of law professors, members of the legal
profession, Westchester Women’s Bar Association, and New York State Bar Association, the
Academy was established with no cost to the students. The participants were provided with
transportation expenses, meals and stipends. The course curriculum included lectures in the
areas of criminal law, civil law, housing law, domestic violence, corporate law and family law.
In 2016, the host venue was moved to Fordham University School of Law in Manhattan in
an effort to include more students from the five (5) boroughs of New York City. Our Acade-
my student participants increased to fifty (50) per session with over sixty-five (65) volunteer
lecturers. The Chief Judge of the State of New York along with Judges of the New York State
Court of Appeals and many Appellate Division and trial judges regularly participated in the
summer Academy.
It is with the utmost pride that we celebrate the accomplishments of the over five hundred
and fifty (550) Academy graduates who are now enrolled in colleges and universities includ-
ing law schools throughout the nation. There are also graduates who have joined the legal
profession and are employed in the public sector in New York.
The Academy began with my recognition that many young girls from diverse backgrounds
were not receiving the initial training, support, and guidance through the pipeline into the
legal profession. However, the success of the Academy is attributed to all those who tirelessly
offered their time, insight, volunteer services and support. I offer much gratitude to the law
schools, my judicial colleagues and attorneys for their role in presenting the Academy students
with an unmatched opportunity to enter the door which leads to the legal profession.
May we continue to teach and engage in the struggle for access to justice for all.
Godspeed.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

29

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Hon. Lewis L. Douglass

FOR OVER 20 years, Justice Lewis L. Douglass was Chair of the Franklin H. Williams
Judicial Commission on Minorities, a commission of judges and lawyers appointed
by the Chief Judge to develop various strategies to improve the treatment of mi-
norities in the judicial system. Judge Douglass began his judicial career in January 1978
when he was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo to the New York State Court of
Claims. In January 1982, he was designated as an Acting Justice of the Supreme Court.
In November 1999, he was elected to the New York State Supreme Court. Justice Doug-
lass has written extensively in criminal law and many of his opinions are reported in the
Official State Reporter. He is the first judge in New York State to allow the prosecutor to
introduce evidence on rape trauma syndrome to show the effects of rape on victims and
was one of the first Judges to accept the results of lie detector tests in a criminal prosecu-
tion. He has taught in several colleges in the city including York, St. John’s and John Jay
College of Criminal Justice. In December 2006, Justice Douglass retired from the bench,
although he still worked for many years as a Judicial Hearing Officer.

Judge Douglass attended Boys High School and Brooklyn College. In 1956, he graduated
from St. John’s University School of Law and practiced law for several years in Brooklyn.
In 1960, he was appointed as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District
of New York. He left the United States Attorney’s office in 1965 to become the Deputy
Executive Director of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the country’s larg-
est community redevelopment effort which was started under the leadership of Senator
Robert Kennedy. In 1968, he moved to Washington, D.C. to become General Counsel to
a national organization which provided assistance to community groups building low cost
housing. He returned to New York in 1972 to become the Executive Vice President of
Black Enterprise, a magazine designed to assist minority businessmen. Justice Douglass
was appointed as the Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department
of Correction Services in 1975 where he was involved in negotiating several prison upris-
ings. He remained with the Department of Corrections until he was appointed as a Judge
of the Criminal Court in May 1978.

Justice Douglass’ two children are both lawyers. His son practices in Washington, D.C.
and his daughter in New York State.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

30

FOUNDERS AWARD

IT IS A great honor and pleasure to receive this Founder’s Award. It is al-
ways special when one receives recognition from people with whom you
have worked over a period of years. Working with the Franklin H. Wil-
liams Judicial Commission has been one of the major highlights in my career.

When the Commission started, one of our first issues was to increase the
number of court officers. In particular, the Commission was concerned with
increasing the number of officers in the supervisory ranks. The Commission
also wanted to address the lack of minority judges appointed as Acting
Supreme Court Justices. In those early years, there were no court officers of
color assigned to the lobbies of any of the Family Courts in New York City,
making it an even more intimidating experience for the public who needed
to access our Family Courts. There was also the issue of getting more people
of color on job interview panels in an effort to bring more diverse talent to
the court system.

Even more exciting than the battles we waged, were the friends I made
over those years. There is not enough time to mention all those with whom
I became good friends, but one must be mentioned. When I retired, Joyce
Y. Hartsfield had been the executive director for nearly the entire time that
I was the Chairman. She was an incredible force, keeping us on our toes,
and going forward without reservation to pursue every issue until it was
resolved.

Yes, there remains work to be done. In the future, the Williams Commission
will have more staff to better enable it to do that work. I am confident that
the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission will continue to fulfill its mis-
sion to ensure equal justice for all.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

31

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIALCOMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

Hon. Samuel L. Green

HON. SAMUEL L. GREEN served as Associate Justice on the Appellate
Division, Fourth Department, from 1983-2011. A graduate of the State
University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, he was admitted to the
bar on April 3, 1968. Following six years of successful practice, he accepted an
appointment to Buffalo City Court in 1973.

After serving five years at the City Court, Justice Green ran for Supreme Court,
easily winning the election and in the process becoming the first African-American
judge outside of New York City to be elected to a state judgeship. On February
25, 1983, he became the first African-American Justice at the Appellate Division
outside of New York City, when Governor Mario Cuomo appointed him to the
Fourth Department. In 2002, Justice Green was designated under the New York
Constitution, article VI, section 2, to serve on the Court of Appeals for the June
session. He also served on several statewide commissions, including the New York
State Judicial Commission on Minorities (now known as the Franklin H. Williams
Judicial Commission) and the State Task Force on Permanency Planning for Chil-
dren in Foster Care. In 1995, Justice Green received an award of merit for distin-
guished service, trial bench, from the New York State Trial Lawyer’s Association.

In 2013, Justice Green was selected as one of sixteen lawyers in New York to re-
ceive The Life Time Achievement Award from the New York Law Journal.

During his term at the Fourth Department, Justice Green was active in the Buffalo
community, becoming a lifetime member of the NAACP and the Buffalo Urban
League, as well as serving on the governing board of the Albright Knox Art Gal-
lery.

Justice Green had been certified to serve six years on the bench past the mandato-
ry retirement age of 70. In 2011, he retired after exhausting his extension, but his
tenure at the bench of twenty-eight years makes him the longest serving Associ-
ate Justice of the Fourth Department.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

32

BRIDGE TO JUSTICE AWARD

IAM HONORED to have been chosen for the Franklin H. Williams Judicial
Commission’s Bridge to Justice Award. For over thirty years, the Williams
Commission has taken affirmative steps to make the court system work
for the benefit of all. I am proud to have been a participant with the Com-
mission. Thanks to Chief Judge Janet DiFiore for her commitment to the
mission of the Commission. She is to be congratulated for appointing as
Co-Chairs two excellent justices, Justice Shirley Troutman and Justice Troy K.
Webber. Under their leadership and the efforts of the Commissioners and
staff members, the future looks even greater for the Williams Commission
and its impact on the court system and the community.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

33

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

The Franklin H. Williams Ju- Published a Five-Year Meetings with court Leadership Development
dicial Commission on Minori- Report on the Unified Court leaders to monitor the Conference: Courts for
ties releases a five-volume System’s Implementation of number of minorities in the 21st Century held at
report on its findings and the Recommendations of supervisory positions in the New York State Judicial
recommendations and is the New York State Judicial the courts. Institute to address concerns
established as a perma- Commission on Minorities. of minorities within the court
nent Commission in the system, particularly issues
New York State Courts. affecting downstate commu-
nities. The conference gen-
erated recommendations to
OCA on improving diversity.

Initiated a program to iden- Presented a colloquium at At the New York State Hosted the Diversity
tify all qualified minority the judicial seminars entitled Judicial Institute Judicial Awards honoring individuals
lawyers for fiduciary “Affirmative Action Seminars, the Commission from the court system and
appointments and to circu- Realities” to make judges presented a program the legal profession demon-
late those names to judges aware of the existence and addressing drug laws that strating a commitment to
throughout New York State. availability of minority banks have a disparate impact on promoting the goals of
for fiduciary appointments. communities of color and diversity.
Sponsored a forum on police examining mandatory drug Facilitated a roundtable
brutality in conjunction with treatment as an effective discussion with the Courts
New York County Lawyer’s alternative to incarceration. Fraternal Organizations, the
Association, minority bar Deputy Chief Administra-
associations and other com- tive Judge and other court
munity organizations. leaders.

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Co-hosted with the New
York State Family Judges
Association a confer-
Established a Speaker’s Bu- Commission held open Facilitated a meeting with ence, “The Dispropor-
reau, which included judges meetings in the Bronx to various Bar leaders and tionate Number of
and lawyers, to educate high address concerns of employ- the Dean of CUNY School Minority Youth in the
school students and local ees regarding the appoint- of Law to discuss issues of Family and Criminal
community groups on the ment of minority supervisors. minority concern within the Court System,” which
activities of the Commission court system. discussed strategies to
and minority issues relating reduce the proportion
to the court system. of young people in both

foster
care
and the
criminal
Conducted a survey of the Conducted surveys Sponsored seminars for high justice
ethnic make-up of the New to promote increased school students regarding system.
York State Judicial Screening minority participation Careers within the Court
Committees in the four on judicial screening System and issues affecting
Judicial Districts. committees, and among the rights of students during
prosecutors, public de- interactions with the criminal
Hon. Lewis Douglass fenders and government justice system. Leadership
appointed attorneys. Facilitated a student tour of
as Chair of
the Com- the New York State courts. Development
mission. Conference:
Courts for the
21st Century
Part II - for
upstate judicial
districts. The
panel topics included a discus-
sion of the promotion process
and embracing leadership for a
competitive advantage.

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

34

Hosted the Met with the Dean and school Hosted the 27th An- Hosted Con-
19th Annual administrators from University nual Conference of ference, Race
Conference of Buffalo School of Law and the National Con- Ethnicity and the
of the Nation- school administrators from New sortium on Racial Impact on Immi-
al Consortium York Law School to discuss and Ethnic Fairness gration: What
on Racial and strategies to increase the pool in the Courts in Happens to the
Ethnic Fair- of minority candidates ap- Buffalo, NY, “Uniting Tired, Poor and
ness in the Courts – “Saving plying for judicial clerkships. Communities: Justice Huddled Masses?
Our Children: Justice and Published “Path to Equal Jus- for All.” The conference hosted The conference closed with a
Fair Treatment of Youth tice” 20th Anniversary booklet. 37 similar state commissions from speed mentoring session for stu-
in the Courts” in Brooklyn, throughout the United States. dents from the Ronald H. Brown
New York. The three-day Hon. Richard B. Center for Civil Rights by judges
conference addressed issues Lowe appointed who attended the conference.
alternatives to incarceration as Chair of the Partnered with Council for Unity
and minority and youth Commission. to provide a tour of the Courts
interaction with the courts. and a discussion on The Role of
the Courts for Youth.

Met with affinity bar associa- Presented a seminar on Hosted a one- The Commission updated its
tions to discuss increasing the implicit bias for new judges day conference, Strategic Plan to address issues of
number of minorities on the at the New York State Judicial “Mass Incarcer- systemic racism within the courts.
Surrogate’s Court fiduciary list. Institute. Developed and pub- ation: Mercy Established an legal internship
New York State Legal Edu- lished the booklet “Cultural Matters” at program and relaunched the Legal
cation Opportunity Program Awareness Tips for Judges Fordham Uni- Fellowship Program.
reception held at the New York and Court Personnel.” versity School of Held numerous cultural heritage
County Lawyers’ Association. Worked with Albany Law Law. The con- programs, presented a day-
Hon. Rose School to devise a program to ference discussed the cause and long Jury Summit Conference,
H. Sconiers improve students’ legal writing effect of the high incarceration “Achieving Equal Justice
appointed as skills. rate and solutions to reduce the Through Jury Service”, hosted
Chair of the Hosted a seminar on implicit numbers of persons of color three Town Hall meetings, a law
Commission. bias for court administrators entering the prison system. school pipeline program and a
and non-judicial personnel. seminar on the Impact of Sys-
temic Racism on Mental Health.

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Hosted the conference at New Co-hosted with local bar Met with the Administrative The Commission, in partner-
York Law School, “Race, Law associations a seminar Judges for the Courts within ship with WNED PBS Buffalo,
and the Courts: Framing series, “Everything You NYC and outside of NYC to will create educational mate-
the Discussion for a Post Need to Know About discuss diversity efforts. rials based on video clips from
Racial America” to discuss Becoming a Judge” in the Commission’s documenta-
the relevance of race in Buffalo and Albany. Hon. Shirley Troutman and ry, A Bridge to Justice: The
America and its impact on the Facilitated implicit bias Hon. Troy K. Webber are Life of Franklin H. Williams,
courts and the legal system. training for adminis- appointed as Co-Chairs of the which was the recipient of the
The issues discussed included trative and supervisory Commission. Silver Telly Awards in 2021.
wrongful conviction and rem- judges throughout New
edies, law school admission/ York State. This was The Commission will host a
bar passage rate among other through a grant received Symposium on Race in the
topics. from the National Center Spring of 2022.

Met with each of the Pre- for State Courts.
siding Justices of the four
departments for the Appellate
Division in New York State to
discuss diversity efforts in their
departments. The Commission worked to facil-
itate implicit bias training for
Hosted Conference Hosted the Commission’s Eighth Judicial District clerks and Conducted virtual seminars on the
- Innovative Strat- Diversity Awards honoring managers in Albany and at the Importance of Diversity and
egies to Nullify individuals for their contribu- New York State Officers Academy. Inclusion in Our Courts: Come
Gang Violence in tions to diversity and equality Worked with the Office of Human and Meet Your Commissioners
Our Communities in the courts and the legal Resources to develop “Careers in where local Commission members
– Ensuring Safer community. The Awards cer- the Courts” brochure outlining met with judicial and non-judicial
Communities and emony occurred at Brooklyn the procedure for civil service employees in their districts to
Redeeming Our Law School. examinations for competitive dialogue on pressing issues.
Youth - at the Judicial Institute. Co-sponsored “Pathways positions and for appointments to Judicial Mentor Program revital-
The conference included a panel to the Bench and Beyond” non-competitive positions. ized to include over 100 pairings
of District Attorneys from various with the Association of the Met with representatives of of judges and attorneys.
counties that outlined solutions to Bar of the City of New York. the Court’s Fraternal organi-
reduce gang participation in the zations to discuss vacancies for
various districts.
positions in the Courts.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

35

FRANKLIN H.30WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

QUOTES FROM PRESIDING JUSTICES

HON. ROLANDO T. ACOSTA “The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission has been a crucial force in
Presiding Justice the daunting yet worthwhile endeavors of promoting diversity on New York’s
Appellate Division bench and eradicating racism from the courts. Diversity and inclusion are not
First Department just abstract concepts that warrant lip service in the legal profession; they
are at the heart of promoting justice and respect for democratic institutions
and the rule of law. The Williams Commission, and all who have contributed
to its important mission, deserve our respect and gratitude for 30 years of
championing a fairer justice system.”

“The Justices of the Appellate Division Second Department congratulate HON. HECTOR D. LASALLE
the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on its 30th anniversary. The Presiding Justice
Commission has historically been, and remains, an important voice in our Appellate Division

collective efforts to eradicate barriers to racial and ethnic fairness in the Second Department
court system. The Justices of the Appellate Division Second Department
wholeheartedly support the work of the Commission and wish the Commission

continued success in fulfilling its mission.”

“Three decades of work! For thirty years, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commis-

sion has led the way in pursuit of equity, justice and diversity and inclusion in our

courts -- and has also served as a model and partner for other initiatives, such as

the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York Courts. Through diligent

efforts, shared wisdom and a generous collaborative approach, the Commission

HON. ELIZABETH A. GARRY is blazing a trail toward a more just future. My thanks and congratulations to the
Presiding Justice
Appellate Division many dedicated members and leadership throughout the years, and we are looking
forward to all the Commission will achieve in the years ahead!”
Third Department

“A sincere thank you to the present and past members of the Franklin H. Williams

Judicial Commission for thirty years of dedication to promoting and ensuring equal

justice in our Court system. Over the past three decades, the Commission has tak-

en a multi-pronged approach to rebuilding and strengthening the foundation of

our judicial system by promoting racial and ethnic fairness in the courts, including

through essential efforts to ensure that the individuals who work to dispense justice

are as diverse as those who our system serves, as well as by building trust through HON. GERALD J. WHALEN
Presiding Justice
community engagement. Tonight presents an opportunity to proudly celebrate the Appellate Division
accomplishments the Commission has made and to acknowledge the importance
of the Commission’s continuing efforts to eliminate the corrosive impact of bias not Fourth Department

only on the foundation of justice but also on public trust in the administration of

justice. I am honored to extend my congratulations and gratitude to the Commission

and to all the evening’s Diversity Award honorees.”

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

36

QUOTES FROM CHAIRS EMERITI

HON. LEWIS L. DOUGLASS “For thirty years, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial
Chair Emeritus Commission has been working to ensure racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts of New York State. The success of the
1992 – April 2009 Williams Commission is best seen by noting the increase
in the number of minority employees in the Unified Court
System since its creation and in the fact that many more
employees of color are now at the highest administrative
and supervisory levels. The Commission has also been
instrumental in the development of like organizations
in several other states. But, alas, the need for this work
continues as the struggle to make the New York State Court
System truly diverse is integral to making all who use and
work in the courts comfortable and confident that they are
being dealt with fairly.”

“Congratulations to the Franklin H. Williams Judicial HON. ROSE H. SCONIERS
Commission on thirty years of dedicated service to the Chair Emeritus
judicial community. It was an honor and pleasure to serve
as the second Chairperson of the Commission following May 2009 – August 2015
the outstanding leadership of the first Chair, Hon. Lewis L.
Douglass. We made a difference in the lives of many within
the judicial system and I wish the Commission all the best in

the years to come.”

HON. RICHARD B. LOWE III “Only when there is accountability for diversity and inclusion
Chair Emeritus will we move forward to a more just productive and equal
society. We, at the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission,
September 2015 – have attempted to achieve these goals. We are not quite
December 2017 there but we have made significant achievements toward
these goals and I am particularly proud to have been part of
this movement.”

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

37

FRANKLIN H. 30WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

QUOTES FROM FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

EDNA HANDY PEEPLES, ESQ. “ ‘You had better be prepared to dress the wound before
Former Executive Director you pull the scab off!’ This is what Ambassador Williams
Franklin H. Williams Judicial stressed to the Chief Judge, the Commissioners, staff and
Commission 1991-1992 other stakeholders to the establishment of the Commission.
Through his deft engagement strategies, he guided the work
of the Commission to establish the extent and depth of the
wound of racism and discrimination by the original research
and outreach of the Commission. He envisioned the impact
of removing the scab to expose the hurt, anger and social
injustice through the development of responsible messaging
and close involvement of national, state, city and community
communications channels. And he gave advice on the nature
of that “dressing” with targeted workable recommendations
that included the establishment of an implementation
committee—what we know as the very effective Franklin H.
Judicial Williams Commission. It’s a name he did not choose
but would be proud to lend.”

“Most things worthy of achieving are worth working hard for.
Diversity and Inclusion has been a long-fought battle in this

world. I believe as you continue to strive, the closer you come
to achieving those goals.”

JOYCE Y. HARTSFIELD, ESQ.
Former Executive Director
Franklin H. Williams Judicial
Commission 1992-2019

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

38

THE FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION CO-CHAIRS

Hon. Shirley Troutman Hon. Troy K. Webber
Co-Chair Co-Chair
Associate Justice of the
Associate Justice of the Appellate Division
Appellate Division First Department

Fourth Department

COMMISSIONERS – 1ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Hon. Shahabuddeen (Shah) A. Ally L. Austin D’Souza, Esq. Lauren A. Jones, Esq.
Supervising Judge, New York Principal Law Clerk to Hon. Alternative Dispute Resolution
County Civil Court Faviola A. Soto, Court of Claims (ADR) Coordinator for New York
City Surrogates’ Courts

Hon. Barbara R. Kapnick Hon. Doris Ling-Cohan Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing
Associate Justice, Appellate Associate Justice, Appellate Associate Justice, Appellate
Division, First Department Term, First Department (ret.) Division, First Department

COMMISSIONERS – 2ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Paul Kenny, Esq. Hon. yvonne lewis Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones
Chief Clerk, Appellate Term, Supreme Court Justice, Acting Justice of the Supreme
Second Department Kings County (ret.) Court, Kings County

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

39

FRANKLIN H.30WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

COMMISSIONER – 3RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS – 5TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Hon. Richard Rivera Hon. Vanessa Bogan Professor Paula C. Johnson, Esq.
Acting Supreme Court City Court, Syracuse, NY Law Professor, Syracuse
Justice – 3rd J.D; University College of Law
Supervising Judge,
Domestic Violence and COMMISSIONER – 7TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Mentor Courts – 3rd J.D.;
Presiding Judge – Domestic Hon. Michael Carlos López
Violence and Youth Parts; Judge, Rochester City
Albany County Family Court, Criminal Branch
Court

COMMISSIONER – 6TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Porter L. Kirkwood, Esq.
District Executive
Sixth Judicial District –
Binghamton

COMMISSIONERS – 8TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Hon. Lenora B. Foote-Beavers Hon. Craig D. Hannah Francis M. Letro, Esq. Hon. Mark A. Montour
Acting Family Court Judge, Justice, Supreme Court,
Erie County; Judge, City Court, Chief Judge, Buffalo City Court; The Letro Law Firm, Erie County
Buffalo, NY
Supervising Judge of the City Buffalo, NY Hon. Kathie E. Davidson
Dean, New York State
Courts of the 8th Judicial Judicial Institute

District

COMMISSIONERS – 9TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Dr. Betty L. Campbell
Commissioner of
Jurors
Westchester, NY

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

40

COMMISSIONERS – 10TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Thomas J. Garry, Esq. Adrienne Williams, Esq.
Harris Beach, PLLC Court Attorney-Referee,
Uniondale, NY Supreme Court, Suffolk County

COMMISSIONERS – 12TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Major Clemont Mack Hon. Llinét M. Rosado Hon. Robert E. Torres
Associate Justice, Appellate
Criminal Command Operations, Justice, Supreme Court, Term, First Department (ret.)
Bronx, NY Civil Term, Bronx County
COMMISSIONER – FEDERAL
COMMISSIONER – 13TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Hon. George B. Daniels
Nadine C. Johnson, Esq. United States District Court,
Chief of Staff & Southern District of NY
Principal Counsel to
the Administrative
Judge Desmond A.
Green, Supreme Court,
Richmond County

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

41

30WILLIAMS JUDICIALFRANKLIN H. COMMISSION
YEARS

promoting racial and ethnic
fairness in the courts

CHAIRS EMERITI OF THE FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

Hon. Lewis L. Douglass Hon. Rose H. Sconiers Hon. Richard B. Lowe III
Chair Emeritus Chair Emeritus Chair Emeritus
1992 – April 2009 May 2009 – August 2015 September 2015 –
December 2017

FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF THE FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

Edna Handy Peeples, Esq. Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Esq.
1991-1992 1992-2019

THE FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION STAFF

Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Esq. Karlene Dennis, Esq. Kim Stephens
Assistant Deputy Counsel Staff Member
Executive Director

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

42

IN MEMORIAM
HON. WILLIAM J. DAVIS – A retired Associate Justice of the Appellate Term, First

Department, and a former member of the Commission, who worked to promote diversity
and equity in the courts. Prior to serving as a First Department (Bronx and New York counties)
Appellate Term justice, Justice Davis was a judge of the state Supreme Court and Criminal
Court in New York County. Williams Co-Chair, Justice Troy K. Webber, served as his Principal
Law Clerk for a number of years.

HON. CÉSAR H. QUIÑONES was initially a New York City Family Court judge. He was

later appointed to the Court of Claims and assigned to the Supreme Court, Criminal Division,
where he served until his retirement in 1995. Judge Quiñones served as member of the Franklin
H. Williams Judicial Commission. Judge Quiñones was also a founding member of the Puerto
Rican Bar Association and the Association of Judges of Hispanic Heritage, which is now known
as the Latino Judges Association.

ROBERT M. REAVES was appointed Chief Clerk of the Surrogate’s Court of the County

of New York in April of 1980. He was the State’s first African American Chief Clerk. He was
honored by the Association of the Bar of the City of New York for his outstanding contributions
to the administration of the courts. Mr. Reaves was a former member of the Franklin H.
Williams Judicial Commission.

HON. CHARLES J. TEJADA was appointed to the Court of Claims in 1990 and served as

acting Supreme Court justice. In 2002, he famously overturned the convictions of five young
men who had been imprisoned for the rape of a jogger in Central Park in 1989. He served as a
member of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission.

HON. FRANK TORRES was a former New York State Supreme Court justice who was

the son of a Family Court jurist, Hon. Felipe Torres, and the father of a federal judge, Hon.
Analisa Torres. He championed greater Hispanic representation in the legal profession and on
the bench. He testified at the New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities (now known
as the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission) hearing over 30 years ago and is staunchly
credited for his efforts to increase diversity in the courts. He was also a founding member
of the Harlem Lawyers Association which was the precursor to the Metropolitan Black Bar
Association.

HON. CYRUS R. VANCE, SR., had a long career in government and in law. He was

secretary of the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1962 and served as deputy secretary of defense
from 1964 to 1967. In 1968, Vance was designated one of the lead negotiators at the
Vietnam peace talks in Paris. From 1977 to 1980, he served as Secretary of State and played a
crucial role in the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. He later headed numerous
diplomatic missions and remained an active philanthropist. He also served as a member of the
New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities (now known as the Franklin H. Williams
Judicial Commission). He was the father of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr.

HON. IVAN WARNER was a former member of the New York State Assembly. In 1960,

he was elected to the New York State Senate, the first African American from Bronx County.
He was later elected as a New York State Supreme Court Justice and served as a member of
the New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities (now known as the Franklin H. Williams
Judicial Commission). He was a founding member of 100 Black Men, Inc., and a founding
member of the Black Bar Association of the Bronx County.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DIVERSITY AWARDS JOURNAL

43

We must not stop now. We have come too far to turn
back. A nation that has progressed because of the

sweat and blood of thousands of blacks; a nation that
first tolerated slavery, then outlawed it; that accepted

separate but equal as a valid Constitutional concept,
then rejected it; a nation that has slowly,

painfully, tragically evolved to a point where a
Black can run for the presidency; a nation that

has come so far must not now give up the
struggle to rid itself of racism.

— FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS

FRANKLIN H. WILLIAMS JUDICIAL COMMISSION

Executive Director – Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Esq.
Deputy Counsel – Karlene Dennis, Esq.
Commission Staff – Kim Stephens

25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-428-2790
Email: [email protected]
www.nycourts.gov/FHW