Surrogate Court Dedication to Diana A. Johnson

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

Kings 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

34 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

may 8–10 alvin ailey american

dance theater

Featuring NJ Premieres

Aszure Barton’s BUSK

Jamar Roberts’ Ode Darrell Grand Moultrie’s Ounce of Faith

Donald Byrd’s Greenwood

Jessica Lang’s EN

Camille A. Brown’s City of Rain

Judith Jamison’s Divining plus Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations

Solomon Dumas Photo by Andrew Eccles

Neighbor Day Sun, May 3 @ 2 & 5:30PM A new live, interactive musical adventure based on the PBS series.

Sat, May 30 @ 7:30PM Experience the film with the full score performed live by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra!

Jun 19-20 @ 7:30PM A two-time Emmy-winning production, bringing to life Elfman’s music and Burton’s visuals from Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish and more!

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CARMEN.maquia Sat, Mar 21 @ 7:30PM Sun, Mar 22 @ 3PM A sensual, full-length dance work inspired by Bizet’s opera. ballet

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The Voice of Romance Tour Fri, Mar 20 @ 8PM Greatest hits and personal favorites from a music legend. johnny

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PSEG True Diversity Film Series Thu, Mar 5 @ 6-9PM Express Newark 54 Halsey Street Newark A documentary presenting Aretha Franklin with choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles in January 1972. amazing

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