Photos: Lem Peterkin
L–R: Surrogate Johnson’s son, Autry Johnson, Esq.; Honoree Artist Peri Sue Pfenninger; and Surrogate Johnson’s grandson, Myles J. Johnson
L–R: Judge Johnson, Judge Harriet Thompson, and Chief Clerk Surrogate Doreen A. Quinn
Kings County Surrogate Court Dedicates Portrait of Surrogate Diana A. Johnson
K
ings County Surrogate Court celebrated the judicial legacy of the Honorable Diana A. Johnson, the first African American elected Surrogate in New York State. Surrogate Johnson began her judicial career as a Housing Court Judge. Subsquently, election took her to Civil Court in Kings County, Kings County Supreme Court where she served from 2001 to 2007, and finally to the Kings County Surrogate Court where she served from 2008 to 2017. On Thursday, February 20, 2020, the Kings County Black History Month Committee joined in celebrating her retirement and the unveiling of her official portrait. The beautiful painting by artist Peri Sue Pfenninger will be added to the display of portraits of all prior surrogate judges in Kings County, some more than a century old. The ceremonial courtroom was filled to capacity with family, friends, members of the judiciary, and staff — more than 250 on hand to witness the momentous event. Officiated by Surrogate Court Chief Clerk Doreen A. Quinn, speakers included Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Dowling, co-chair of the Kings County Court Black History Month Committee; Hon. Peter J. Kelly, Surrogate Court, Queens County; Judge Johnson’s son, Autry Johnson, Esq.; Thomas Basile, Esq.; and Honorable Harriet L. Thompson, Kings County Surrogate. The melodious voice of Cassandra Allen and heartfelt remarks and reflections from Surrogate Johnson added to the celebratory atmosphere. —TPC Staff
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The Positive Community March 2020
Queens County Surrogate Hon. Peter J. Kelly
L–R: Black History Month Committee Members Leah Richardson and Hon. Deborah A Dowling
L–R: Rev. Beulah Smith with Judge Johnson The Johnson Family
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