Foreword The Formal Opening and Re-dedication Ceremony were commissioned in 2001 for the 30th Anniversary of the Judicial Council. Each Commissioner, appointed by the Chairperson, was charged with drafting a principle, prayer or pledge or history for the ritual which, if approved by the Council, would be ceremonious, provide consistency, history, clarity, and edification for the membership at each Opening Session for years to come. The Chairman acknowledges, with gratitude, the following commissioners: The Honorable Sara J. Harper – The History The Honorable Theodore R. Newman – The Prayer The Honorable Benjamin Logan, II* – The Pledge The Honorable Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr.* – Justice The Honorable Joyce London Alexander – Collegiality The Honorable Joseph C. Howard* – Unity Founder - excerpt from – “Why We Organize” 1971 Script and editing by the Judicial Council Chair, Honorable Sylvia A. James *Denotes Deceased
Acknowledgements The Judicial Council expresses thanks to all panelists, speakers, sponsors, participants, the Executive Committee, all other committees and persons who in any way have contributed to the success of the 49th Annual Meeting.
Judicial Council Formal Opening and Re-Dedication Ceremony Processional .....................................................................................................All judges in robes Invocation .................................... The Honorable Judge Marion Humphrey (Ret.), Chaplain Parliamentarian, The Honorable Kimberly Esmond Adams: (raps gavel three times) All rise please. The 49th Annual Congress of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association is now in session, The Honorable Shauna Graves-Robertson, Chairman, presiding. Parliamentarian: Please join in singing “America The Beautiful” as sung by Ray Charles followed by “The Black National Anthem” led by Laura Eady-Popwell, accompanied by Brian Hesleph. “America The Beautiful” O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! “Lift Every Voice and Sing” By James Weldon Johnson Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the glistening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song, full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song, full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun, of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast'ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, here now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on our way, Thou who has by the might, Led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, true to our God, true to our native land. Parliamentarian: (raps gavel once) Chairman, The Honorable Shauna Graves-Robertson: Brother and Sister Jurists of the Judicial Council and all people here assembled, as Chairperson of this national organization, I welcome you to the 49th Annual Congress of the Judicial Council and our 20th Annual Rededication Service. Before you are the trilogy of torches, Justice in the center, Unity on my left, Collegiality on my right. This trilogy symbolizes the abiding principles upon which the Judicial Council was founded. Our Historian will honor our Founders, ancestors and predecessors by reading the illustrious history of the Judicial Council. Historian, The Honorable June C. McKinney: The History of the Judicial Council The rapid increase in the number of black judges in the United States prompted the National Bar Association’s National President, Edward F. Bell, to suggest coordination of a separate judicial body within the parent organization. With the cooperation of the National Bar Foundation and financial assistance from the Ford Foundation and in response to the considerable interest expressed by the National Bar Association judges in cities around the country, a panel of judges was convened in Miami, Florida early in January, 1971 to discuss organizing plans. As a result, a Planning Committee was chosen, to begin formal organization of the new Council. The committee subsequently proposed a resolution for organization of the Judicial Council, which was adopted by the Executive Board of the National Bar Association, January 9, 1971. The resolution states, that the Judicial Council shall be an independent, autonomous, section of the National Bar Association with its own Officers, by-laws, program and treasury. Foremost among its objectives is the eradication of racial and class bias from every aspect of the judicial and law enforcement process. Why Did We Organize? ― We organize as blacks and around our blackness because the melting pot ideology has been ineffective in producing meaningful progress in our heterogeneous society. We have come to know that respect for racial variations comes not through a
disappearance of differences, but by the retention of a sense of racial distinctiveness. Consequently, we believe that each ethnic group fundamentally must learn to accept itself, for equality is not similarity, but acknowledgment of valued differences. Further, we believe that this sociology of acceptance can be expressed in the law, and developed as a means of delivering more individual freedom. The right to be black therein established, will broaden the concept of Justice and Equality and can bring more Freedom for blacks and whites alike. Later that year, from August 3-6, 1971, Black judges from across the country assembled in Atlanta, Georgia for the founding convention. Judge George Crockett, Jr. was elected Chairperson and U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge William H. Hastie was the keynote speaker. The members of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association believe that our system of justice will only survive and keep the confidence and support of all segments of the society, when those responsible for its trust continue to be the main catalysts for constructive change. Therefore, the Judicial Council will continue to review itself in terms of past performance, and future potential. Our Bench will always be prepared to define its values and accept its responsibilities, to make meaningful progress toward making ― “Equal Justice Under Law” a reality for all. We renew our pledge: “Let us remove the blindfold from the eyes of American justice. Too long has it obscured the unequal treatment accorded poor people and black people under law.”
Chaplain:
Brother and Sister Jurists, when praises go up, blessings come down. Let us focus our minds and center our hearts as we pray together. Judicial Council Prayer of Re-Dedication
Almighty God, we, the members of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association come into Your presence today with Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for all You have done for us in the past; Thanksgiving for all You are doing for us at present; and Thanksgiving for all You have promised to do for us in the future. We pray that You will grant us the courage to re-dedicate ourselves to the eradication of racism and classism from the judicial process; the power to re-dedicate ourselves to the improvement of public confidence in our courts, the strength to re-dedicate ourselves to fashioning effective remedies for legitimate grievances; and the will to improve the overall administration of justice in the courts of this land. Finally, like your servant, King Solomon, our prayer is that You give us, Thy servants, understanding hearts to rightly judge Your people. This is our prayer. Amen. Chairman:
Colleagues, once more we are assembled to reflect on our past, review our achievements, set goals and objectives for the coming year, gain strength, and
inspiration through collegial association. Let us take this opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the mission of the Council by standing, raising our right hands and reciting our Oath of Re-dedication. (Please repeat after me) Oath of Re-Dedication I do solemnly pledge to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the By-Laws of the Judicial Council. I will do my part to further the mission of the Council. I will remain informed, be collegial, do justice and be temperate, both on and off the bench. I shall be ever vigilant and dedicated to our noble cause until equal justice becomes a reality for all.
Justice (The Honorable Luke A. LaVergne (Ret.) Justice is the constant and perpetual duty to render unto every person that which is due - not because of who he is, but because he is. Justice is not an abstract principle conceived by the judge but is based upon laws, the constitution, and most importantly, what is just, equitable and right. Any judgment which lacks justice and fairness is morally wrong. I light the torch of Justice, the administration of which is the essence of our existence as judges. Unity (The Honorable Cenceria Edwards) We assemble with the realization that in unity there is strength, and that our society interprets formal organization as an index of a group’s sense of urgency and concern. We come together aware of the fact that in knowledge there is strength, and consequently, we will concern ourselves with both the creation and the application thereof. We organize to address ourselves to problems of long standing, which have not provoked positive action on the part of the general judiciary. But beyond all this, we organize to build a broader basis for judgment and an even larger vision of a just society. I light the torch of Unity, the second principle upon which the Council was founded. May we remain united, may we remain strong. Collegiality (The Honorable Rodney Smith) Collegiality, like college, is not solely a matter of civility and good manners. It fosters civilized debate and diversity in our world of ideals, not just singularity and single-mindedness of judicial opinion and perspective. Collegiality allows us to be challenged by the chorus, even if we do not join it. In our pursuit of illumination and education, whether personal or professional, collegiality leads us to one another in times of trouble and in times of treasure. Collegiality permits us to step out of the shadows of seclusion imposed upon us when we enrobe and into the warmth of each other’s light– light that is so necessary to our continued strength, creativity, resiliency, intellectual capacity and growth. Collegiality always allows us to shine our light. I light the final torch of our trilogy, Collegiality. May the light of friendship forever shine throughout the Judicial Council and the world. Chairman:
Let us all stand and sing together ― “This Little Light of Mine”
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (3 times) Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine. Everywhere I go, I’m going to let it shine (3 times) Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine. Chairman: I declare this 49th Annual Congress of the Judicial Council open in due course for the transaction of all business. Parliamentarian: (raps gavel three times, all are seated.) Chaplain:
May the God of justice, wisdom, love and peace, smile upon this convention and continue to abide with each and every one of us. Amen.
Chairman:
I declare this Opening Session officially adjourned. (Raps the gavel three times)
Judicial Council 49th Annual Memorial Service Dedicated to the memory of our dear Judicial Council Executive Committee member,
Angelique Aristell Reed
CALL TO ORDER……………………………………..……………………The Honorable Shauna Graves-Robertson Chair, National Bar Association Judicial Council Judge Graves-Robertson: All:
In the rising of the sun and in its going down, We remember them;
Judge Graves-Robertson: All:
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, We remember them;
Judge Graves-Robertson: All:
In the rustlings of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, We remember them;
Judge Graves-Robertson: All:
When we are lost and broken hearted, We remember them;
Judge Graves-Robertson: All:
For as long as we live, they too shall live in our memories, For they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
OPENING PRAYER……………………………………………The Honorable Marion Humphrey, Chaplain 1st Corinthians 15:54-58 Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. RESPONSIVE READING……………………………………………..……………….The Honorable Freddrena Lyle The Honorable Alfreda Talton-Harris (Ret.) (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, 11-13) Judge Lyle: To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
All:
A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;
Judge Talton-Harris: A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; All:
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Judge Lyle:
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
All:
A time to gain, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
Judge Talton-Harris: A time to tear, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; All:
A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.
Judge Lyle:
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
All:
I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.
Tribute and Candle Lighting Ceremony
The Honorable Betty E. Staton (Ret.), The Honorable Harrison Gregg, Jr. The Honorable J. Imani Drew, The Honorable June C. McKinney Judge Staton: God has taken several of our members since we met last year in New Orleans, Louisiana. We come together today in love to honor our beloved departed sisters and brothers. Judge Gregg: We light candles in memory of our sisters and brothers, which are symbolic of that light which will always shine in the hearts and minds of the righteous.
Judge Staton: We will light a candle in memory of our deceased colleagues and friends symbolizing the everlasting esteem in which our dearly departed members are held by all. Judge Gregg: We offer condolences to our judicial council members who have lost crucial family members this year. We know how much you love them and miss them and we put our collective arms around you in support and comfort. Judge J. Imani Drew will call the name of each of our deceased colleagues.
A candle will be lit for each deceased judge
Deborah Batts (NY) Johnny Lee Baynes (NY) Elaine Carlisle (GA) Charles E. Freeman (IL) Barbara Ann Harris (GA) Horace Johnson, Jr. (GA) Dorothy F. Jones (IL) Nathaniel Jones (OH) Judge Drew:
.
James Long (CA) Bruce James McConduit (LA) Ishmael A. Meyers (VI) Lawrence W. Pierce (NY) Angelique A. Reed (LA) Mitchell Ware (IL) Paul Rainey Webber, III (DC)
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39)
We Remember Our Deceased Judges (Moment of Silence)
MUSICAL TRIBUTE………………………………………………………Laura Eady-Popwell and Brian Hesleph Keep Hope Alive READING:
“We Shall See Them Again”
Judge McKinney:
If we can agree that love is the ultimate of everything and that friendship is love without romance, then we can understand the emotional, human side of us that often makes us resentful of the passing of our colleagues and our friends because we know we miss them.
But prayerfully, we are spiritual enough, humble enough to appreciate our blessings and be thankful to have known these judges and to have been touched by them in this life. Response: All
And we know that if we live exemplary lives, one day we shall see them and know them again.
Closing Prayer The Honorable Earnestine Hunt-Dorse (Ret.), The Honorable Bonita Coleman, The Honorable Deborah M. Henderson Judge Henderson:
For the legacy of men and women of intelligence, faith and courage, for their strength to endure challenges and sacrifice, for their wisdom and example of discernment.
Response: All
We praise You, O God, our Father and Mother.
Judge Coleman:
For men and women such as Deborah Batts, Johnny Lee Baynes, Elaine Lynn Carlisle, Charles E. Freeman, Barbara Ann Harris, Horace Johnson, Dorothy F. Jones, Nathaniel Jones, James Long, Bruce J. McConduit, Ishmael A. Meyers, Lawrence W. Pierce, Angelique Aristell Reed, Mitchell Ware, and Paul Rainey Webber, III who gave us examples of pioneers in the judiciary, who broke barriers as they donned their robes and who maintained an abiding commitment to justice and mercy as they rendered decisions.
Response: All
We praise You, O God, our Father and Mother.
Judge Hunt-Dorse:
For all our fallen colleagues who dedicated their lives to promoting justice and fairness throughout the land, and whose vision of the beloved community resonates through their labor as jurists.
Response: All
We praise You, O God, our Father and Mother.
Judge Henderson:
Lord God, look favorably upon the works and deeds of your servants now departed. We thank you for the good works done by each in Your name. Remember those who mourn them as their kin and comfort their hearts.
Response: All
Inspire in each of us a burning zeal to render justice in ways that bring Honor to Your name. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
BENEDICTION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Chaplain God of our mothers and fathers, who made us the heirs of learned and faithful men and women, who have endeavored to do justice and rightness by Your people, we thank You for memories of them that enrich our lives and inspire our hearts to follow the nobler traditions we have observed in them. As we rekindle memories of those who have departed, may their spirits live on in us, even as Your Spirit abides within us. Though silent and still, may we continue to hear their voices of hope and courage and may our memories of them remind us of the work undone, of righteous causes still to be fought, of dreams still deferred, and of opportunities yet to be captured.
The Honorable Deborah A. Batts Deborah A. Batts served for a quarter-century on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. She received her commission on May 9, 1994. She took senior status on April 13, 2012. Born in Philadelphia, Judge Batts received her bachelor's degree from Radcliffe College in 1969. Three years later, she graduated from Harvard Law School, where she served on the editorial board of the Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review. Upon graduation, Judge Batts clerked for Judge Lawrence Pierce, then serving as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York. She subsequently worked in private practice from 1973 until 1979, when she began her distinguished career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In 1984, Judge Batts joined the Fordham University School of Law as their first African-American faculty member. In 1990, she became the school’s first African-American woman to receive tenure. Upon her confirmation as Judge to the U.S. District court she became the first openly gay member of the federal judiciary. Judge Batts received many awards and recognitions in her lifetime. She served on the Board of Trustees at Radcliffe. In 2001, Harvard Law School honored Judge Batts’ lifetime of distinguished service with a portrait which is prominently displayed in its halls. She died on February 3, 2020 at her home in Manhattan.
The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes was a New York State Supreme Court Justice sitting in Kings County. He began his judicial career in 1993 in the New York City Housing Court where he served until 2005 when he was elected to the New York City Civil Court. He was subsequently named an Acting Supreme Justice and served in that capacity until 2011 when he won a 14 year term as a Supreme Court Justice. Prior to joining the bench, Justice Baynes worked as a staff attorney for the New York City Housing Authority and with the District 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services Plan. He earned an undergraduate degree from Fordham University and a law degree from Howard University School of Law. Those close to Justice Baynes said he became a lawyer and eventually a judge in response to the injustice he saw in his community. The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes made his transition on March 26, 2020. He was 64 years old.
The Honorable Elaine L. Carlisle Judge Elaine L. Carlisle served as a municipal court judge in Atlanta for 27 years before taking senior status. She was honored during the 2015-2016 legislative session with a resolution in the Georgia House of Representatives following her retirement. The Howard University and John Marshall Law School alumnus also served as an Assistant City Solicitor at Atlanta Municipal Court from 1983 to 1989. Professionally, Judge Carlisle was a member of the National Association of Women Judges, the American Judges Association, the NAACP, the State Bar of Georgia, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Gate City bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Civically, she was a member of the Howard University Alumni Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and The Camellia Rose Chapter of the Links Incorporated. Judge Carlisle passed away February 21, 2020.
The Honorable Charles E. Freeman Justice Charles E. Freeman had a long and distinguished career on the Illinois Supreme Court from 1990 to 2018. He was the first African American to serve on the Court and to serve as Chief Justice. Justice Freeman earned his Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Union University in 1954 and earned his Juris Doctor from the John Marshall Law School in 1962. In private practice from 1962-1976, Freeman also served as an Illinois assistant attorney general, Cook County assistant state’s attorney, and assistant attorney for the County Board of Election Commissioners. Justice Freeman won election to the Cook County Circuit Court in 1976 and served for 10 years. He was elected to the First District Appellate Court in 1986. In 1990, Justice Freeman won election to the Illinois Supreme Court. In 1997, the Supreme Court justices chose Freeman to serve as Chief Justice, and he became the first African American to lead a branch of Illinois government. During his lengthy tenure on the Court, Justice Freeman helped expand the African-American judiciary in Illinois, as well as African-American participation within Illinois Supreme Court administrative bodies. Specifically, Justice Freeman nominated more than 36 African-American attorneys for appointment or assignment to the Cook County Circuit Court and the Illinois Appellate Court. The National Bar Association’s own Judicial Council past-chair, Justice Shelvin Louise Marie Hall was Justice Freeman’s first judicial appointment. Justice Freeman also directly appointed members of the African-American legal community to serve on the Supreme Court’s administrative commissions, committees, and boards. In addition, Justice Freeman helped advance career opportunities for African-American lawyers. He opened the door for African-American lawyers to serve in Illinois Supreme Court clerkships. Freeman received dozens of prestigious awards for his professional and volunteer work. He passed away on March 2, 2020. He was 86.
The Honorable Barbara A. Harris Judge Barbara A. Harris was a Senior Judge of the Municipal Court of Atlanta. Judge Harris began serving on the City of Atlanta Municipal Court in May 1982 where she presided over preliminary hearings for felonies and misdemeanors and conducted non-jury trials of offenses under the Atlanta City Code. Judge Harris received her baccalaureate degree from Harvard College and her Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Michigan Law School. She was the first woman to serve as Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Atlanta and began he term as Chief on June 18, 1992. Prior to her appointment to the Municipal Court bench, Judge Harris spent five years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia in the Civil Division and worked as a law clerk to the late Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charles L. Weltner. In March 2000, Judge Harris created the Atlanta Community Court, a division of the Atlanta Municipal Court and one of the most comprehensive community courts in the country. In 1981, she founded the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA). For this and all of her community work, the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys recognized Judge Harris with an award created and named in her honor. The Barbara A. Harris Award for Service to the Community recognizes a GABWA member whose service to the community extends beyond the practice of law and who has had a significant impact on the social, political, and economic equality of minorities and women. Judge Harris passed away after an illness on February 24, 2020.
The Honorable Horace Johnson, Jr. Judge Horace Johnson, Jr. was appointed in 2002 as a Superior Court Judge for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit in Georgia. He was the first Black Superior Court judge in the circuit, and, at the time of his sudden death on July 1, 2020, he was the only Black person to have served as a Superior Court judge in the circuit covering Newton and Walton counties. Judge Johnson attended Oxford College and Emory University for his undergraduate degree before obtaining his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Georgia in 1982. Judge Johnson has the distinction of being the first and only African-American President of the Council of Superior Court Judges to date and previously served as a member of the Judicial Council of Georgia. He presided over Parental Accountability Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts in both Newton County and Walton County. Judge Johnson was active in his community and served in several capacities including as Past President of the Arts Association of
Newton County. He also served on the Board of Counselors of Oxford College of Emory University; the Board of Trustees of the Leadership Georgia Foundation; and the Board of Directors of the Washington Street Community Center. He was a founding board director of Newton Mentoring, Inc., a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a devoted member of Columbia Drive United Methodist Church in suburban Atlanta. He died at the age of 61.
The Honorable Dorothy F. Jones Judge Dorothy F. Jones, earned a BA degree from Chicago State University and a JD degree from DePaul University in Chicago. While studying for her law degree, she worked as a teacher for the Chicago Board of Education. Upon receiving her JD, she accepted a position in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office before being elected to the Circuit Court. Judge Jones remained in that position for more than 20 years. Immediately prior to retiring in 2011, she was assigned to Criminal Court at Harrison and Kedzie and sat in Pro Se Court. Known for her presence, she was never in awe of her surroundings as she vocalized opinions about the law, her family and friends. Professionally and socially active, she held membership in numerous organizations including The Chicago Bar Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, International Free and Accepted Modern Masons and Order of the Eastern Star and especially her neighborhood block club. Judge, Jones died February 17, 2020, in Killeen, Texas.
The Honorable Nathaniel Jones Judge Nathaniel R. Jones served for 23 years as a federal judge for the United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. He earned his Bachelor of Laws from Youngstown State University in 1956 and was admitted to the bar in 1957. After four years of private practice, Jones served as executive director of the Fair Employment Practices Commission and in 1960 was appointed as United States
Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio in Cleveland. In 1967, Jones was appointed Assistant General Counsel to President Johnson’s National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (the Kerner Commission). Briefly returning to private practice, Jones was asked by NAACP executive director, Roy Wilkins, to serve as NAACP general counsel in 1969. For the next ten years, he argued several cases before the United States Supreme Court and led national efforts to end school segregation and to defend affirmative action. Jones was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals in 1979 to which he became Senior Judge. He retired from the bench in 2002. Jones was widely published and built a distinguished community record. He taught law at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, North Carolina Central University College of Law and Harvard University Law School. As a lasting tribute, in 2003, the federal courthouse in Youngstown, OH bears his name, the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. In 2016 Jones received the NAACP's highest honor, the Spingarn Medal. He passed away on Sunday, January 26, at age 93.
The Honorable James Long Judge James Long was appointed to the Superior Court of Sacramento County, California on February 1, 1982. He served for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2011. He was one of the first African American judges in the county. Judge Long attended San Jose State University for his undergraduate studies. He received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1967 from Howard University School of Law. As an attorney, Long worked for the Legal Aid Society of Sacramento and for the California State Legislative Bureau. He was an Assistant Professor in the Criminal Justice Department of California State University, Sacrament and served as special Legal Counsel, Western Region, for the NAACP. He also co-authored the book American Minorities: The Justice Issue. Judge Long was a life member of the NAACP, an honorary member of the Wiley Manuel Law Society, Women Lawyers of Sacramento and the Sacramento Asian Bar, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. Judge Long received many awards based on his professionalism and his commitment to the law, including Judge of the Year by the Sacramento Consumer Attorneys and the Sacramento Bar Association. Ret. Judge James “Jimmie” Long died June 30, 2020. He was 82.
The Honorable Bruce James McConduit Judge Bruce James McConduit was the first African American to be elected as a Municipal Court Judge in Orleans Parish, State of Louisiana. He was sworn in as Judge in December of 1986 and presided for over 20 years before retiring in 2008. The native New Orleanian was a graduate of Saint Augustine High School, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Judge McConduit held membership in numerous professional, civic, and social organizations. Judge McConduit often served as ad hoc for the Louisiana Supreme Court. He held membership with the Community Organization of Urban Politics (COUP), Fourth and Fifth Circuit Court Association, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. Louisiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, Louisiana City Judges Association. The Honorable Bruce James McConduit departed this life September 13, 2019 at 70 years of age.
The Honorable Ishmael A. Meyers A proud Virgin Islander, a humble civil servant, and a devoted family man are a few titles that appropriately describe the late Ishmael A. Meyers. In August 1973, Judge Meyers was appointed Assistant United States Attorney. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed him United States Attorney for the Virgin Islands. In May 1982, Gov. Juan Luis nominated Judge Meyers to the then Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, where he served with distinction until his retirement in November 2002. Judge Meyers was a lifelong member of the Memorial Moravian Church, numerous bar associations, and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Judge Myers passed November 16, 2019. He was 80 years old.
The Honorable Lawrence W. Pierce Lawrence W. Pierce, a longtime federal judge, was only the third black judge to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York. He was the first black judge to be appointed to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. After serving in the Army in Italy during World War II, he became in 1948 the first black student to graduate from St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia (now St. Joseph’s University). He received a law degree from the Fordham University School of Law. Judge Pierce was a lawyer for the Legal Aid Society and an assistant district attorney from 1954 to 1961 in Brooklyn, NY. He served as a deputy police commissioner for the department’s youth program from 1961 to 1963 and as director of the state Division for Youth to 1966. In 1966, appointed by the governor, Judge Pierce became the founding chairman of the New York State Narcotic Addiction Control Commission. Judge Pierce was commissioned to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in 1971. He sat on the surveillance court from 1979 to 1981. He assumed senior status in 1990 and retired in 1995. He made his transition on Feb. 5, 2020. He was 95.
Honorable Angelique Aristell Reed Judge Angelique Aristell Reed was elected on October 3, 1998, as the first African American Judge to serve in First City Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana. She was the senior judge of First City Court. She was a graduate of Ursuline Academy, Xavier University of Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Angelique held memberships in numerous professional, civic and social organizations including the Louis A. Martinet Society; National Bar Association, Board of Governors; Association of Women Attorneys; LA Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Governors; Association of Women Attorneys; LA Supreme Court Task Force on Alternative Dispute Resolution; Independent Women’s Organization; Committee of 21, Associate; New Orleans Chapter of Links, Inc.; Broadmoor
Improvement Association; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; New Orleans Volunteers in Court; League of Women Voters; and the NAACP. She served on the Executive Boards of the Louisiana Judicial Council and the National Bar Association and the National Bar Association. Judge Reed was a loyal, active, and faithful member of the NBA Judicial Council who demonstrated her service and commitment as the 2018 Co-Chair of the New Orleans Annual Judicial Council Convention. She served on the Executive Committee of the Judicial Council, which position she held at the time of her death. Judge Reed made her transition on November 16, 2019.
The Honorable Mitchell Ware Judge Mitchell Ware served as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. Judge Ware was drafted into the United States Army where he played on the United States Army football team in Europe, led the conference in total yardage and was then invited to play for the Chicago Bears. After football, Ware launched a career in law-enforcement and became one of Illinois' first Black state troopers. He later became a news reporter for WBBM and CBS News. Ware attended DePaul University College of Law and then commenced his private law practice career with the law firm of Mazza, Mazzio & Ware. In 1970, Ware was appointed to the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse. Subsequently, Ware rose to become Superintendent of both the Illinois Division of Narcotics Control and the Illinois Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. In the early 1980's, Ware joined LaFontant, Wilkins, Jones & Ware and later became the founding partner of Jones, Ware & Grenard, a firm that became known as one of the largest and most respected minority law firms in the country. In 1998, Ware's career culminated as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois and he was later inducted into the Cook County Bar Association Hall of Fame. Judge Ware worked as a judge until his retirement in 2006. In 2007, he was inducted into the Cook County Bar Association Hall of Fame. Judge Mitchell Ware died on Sunday, April 19, 2020, age 86.
The Honorable Paul Rainey Webber, III Paul Rainey Webber, III was appointed Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in 1977. Judge Webber became a Senior Judge of the D.C. Superior Court in 1996. Judge Webber earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1955 from South Carolina State College, his Juris Doctor from South Carolina State University School of Law in 1957. Judge Webber was appointed trial attorney for the Antitrust Division of the United States Justice Department in 1964. After completing his tenure with the Department of Justice, he held notable positions as Managing Attorney for the Neighborhood Legal Services Program, and as a partner with Thompson Evans Dolphin and Webber, which later became Dolphin Branton Stafford and Webber. In 1977, he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Among Judge Webber’s many accomplishments were his service as a board member of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Foundation member and General Counsel for Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (a.k.a. the BoulÊ), member of the Council for Court Excellence, and National President of the National Association of Guardsmen, Inc. Widely recognized as a trailblazer in 2007, Paul was interviewed and included in The History Makers, the preeminent digital archive of African Americans who made a significant impact on American history. He published his autobiography "Enjoying the Journey, One Lawyer's Memoir" in 2003. In 1998 he was inducted into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame. He was 85 years old.
Judicial Council Memorial Good and Welfare Committee The Honorable J. Imani Drew, Chair Kankakee, IL The Honorable Sharon V. Burrell Rockville, MD The Honorable Deborah M. Henderson Memphis, TN The Honorable Betty E. Staton (Ret.) Brooklyn, NY
The Committee wishes to thank all of the participants for graciously giving their time and talent to this endeavor.
Judicial Council Executive Board 2019-2020 Judicial Council Officers The Honorable Shauna Graves-Robertson, Chair, UT The Honorable Cenceria Edwards, Chair-Elect, NY The Honorable Rodney Smith, Treasurer, FL The Honorable Harry Cantrell, Recording Secretary, LA The Honorable Harrison Gregg, Jr., Financial Secretary, TX The Honorable June McKinney, Historian, FL The Honorable Luke A. Lavergne (Ret.), Immediate Past Chairman, LA The Honorable Marion Humphry (Ret.), Chaplain, AR The Honorable Kimberly Esmond Adams, Parliamentarian, GA The Honorable Yvette M. Alexander, Chief of Protocol, LA
Judicial Council Executive Committee The Honorable Nicole Sheppard, LA The Honorable Alvin Yearwood, NY The Honorable Alfreda Talton-Harris, VA The Honorable Monte Watkins, TN The Honorable Sheva Sims, LA The Honorable Alice Gray, AK The Honorable Emanuella Groves, OH The Honorable Marguerite Downing, CA The Honorable Freddrena Lyle, IL
The Honorable Bonita Coleman, IL The Honorable Gail Bereola, CA The Honorable Priscilla Hall, NY The Honorable Linwood Foust, NC The Honorable J. Imani Drew, IL The Honorable Herman Marable, MI The Honorable Craig Walker, MI The Honorable Anna Blackburn Rigsby, DC
Past Chairs * Senior Judge, ** Retired Judge, *** Deceased Judge Year Served 1971-1972 1972-1973 1973-1974 1974-1975 1975-1976 1976-1977 1977-1978 1978-1979 1979-1980 1980-1981 1981-1982 1982-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 1985-1986 1986-1987 1987-1988 1988-1989 1989-1990 1990-1991 1991-1992 1992-1993 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
Title Judge Judge Justice Justice Justice Justice Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Justice Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Justice Judge Justice Justice Justice Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge Justice Justice Judge Judge Judge Judge Judge
First Name George W. Joseph C. Lloyd O. Robert N.C. Sara J. Glenn T. Theodore R. Horace T. Russell R. Eugene W. Alice A. H.T. Revius O. Jack Charles W. Thelma Joyce Howard E. Williams Veronica Webster L. John L. Richard Benjamin H. William Renee Bernette Shelvin Louise Marie Morris L. Sylvia A. Cecil Patricia Ernestine Craig S. M. Lynn Michael G. Jon Peggy Robert Marcella Yvette Patrice Denise Randa
Last Name Crockett, Jr.*** Howard*** Brown*** Nix, Jr.*** Harper Johnson*** Newman, Jr.** Ward* DeBow*** Sharpe*** Bonner** Lockhard** Ortique, Jr.*** Tanner*** Fleming*** Wyatt Moore London Alexander Bell*** Thompson*** Simmons-McBeth** Brewer** Braxton** Scott Logan Cousins, Jr.*** Jones Weeks Johnson Hall Overstreet James Patterson** Banks Hunt Dorse Strong Sherrod Bagneris Gray** Quince Rucker Holland Alexander Hinnant Morris Trapp
City Detroit Baltimore Cleveland Chicago Cleveland Chicago Washington Atlanta Chicago New York Houston Memphis New Orleans Tacoma Cleveland Atlanta Boston New York Washington Los Angeles Indianapolis Philadelphia Austin Grand Rapids Chicago Newark New Orleans Chicago Austin Inkster Phoenix Chicago Memphis Detroit Huntsville New Orleans Kansas City Tallahassee Indianapolis Baltimore Baton Rouge Greensboro Pontiac San Diego
State Michigan Maryland Ohio Illinois Ohio Illinois D.C. Georgia Illinois New York Texas Tennessee Louisiana Washington Ohio Georgia Massachusetts New York D.C. California Indiana Pennsylvania Texas Michigan Illinois New Jersey Louisiana Illinois Texas Michigan Arizona Illinois Tennessee Michigan Alabama Louisiana Missouri Florida Indiana Maryland Louisiana North Carolina Michigan California
2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019
Judge Judge Judge Judge
Leonard Johnny Anne-Marie Luke
Murray Hardwick Clarke LaVergne
Chicago Montgomery St. Louis Baton Rouge
Illinois Alabama Missouri Louisiana