| NEWSLETTER |  |
SUMMER 2022 |
Diversity Awards Ceremony |
|||
On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission held a Diversity Awards Ceremony at New York County Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, Rotunda, to recognize the outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to achieving racial and ethnic fairness in the courts, the community, and the legal profession. The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission recognized eleven honorees from within and outside the court system whose tireless efforts have advanced the principles of diversity, equality and justice. The Williams Commission also commemorated its Thirtieth Anniversary as a permanent entity within the New York State Courts and reflected on its efforts to move us towards a more diverse and just court system. |
|||
 |
Dr. Jodie Roure Presented to recognize individuals or organizations who have sought to increase the pipeline of students of color to the legal profession and the judiciary and provide an equitable foundation to students of color entering law school and the profession. |
||
 |
Jasmine I. Valle, Esq. Recognizes outstanding contributions of a nonjudicial employee toward fostering opportunities for people of color by engaging in mentoring and other activities to increase diversity and inclusion in the court system. |
||
 |
Joy Anastasia Thompson, Esq. Recognizes the outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of one who has paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse court workforce (to recognize nonjudicial employees or persons and/or organizations outside of the Unified Court System). |
||
 |
Lillian M. Moy, Esq. Recognizes the excellent contributions of legal services attorneys and/or agencies who provide outstanding civil legal assistance to New York’s communities of color (an individual or group who works in an unrelenting manner to, provide to people of color and economically disadvantaged populations superior legal services or those who work to correct legal injustices or wrongful convictions). |
||
 |
Officer Donald Edwards Honoring an individual or community organization for breaking barriers to advance racial and ethnic fairness in the courts and legal system and to improve equal justice under the law in the State of New York |
||
 |
John M. Caher This Award is presented to an individual, group or organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments leading to significant advances in diversity and inclusion. |
||
 |
Hon. Randolph Treece Recognizes the outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of an attorney who has paved the way for the advancement of other attorneys of color. Trailblazers have made substantial and lasting contributions to the legal profession, as well as the broader community. |
||
 |
Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Esq. Recognizes an extraordinary leader within the legal community and a trailblazer who has advanced, and advocated for, opportunities and equality in the legal profession. Reserved for leaders in transformational justice; especially for people of color (or has provided services for a community that is traditionally under-represented or trained others to provide such services). |
||
 |
Hon. La Tia W. Martin Recognizes an outstanding jurist with a distinguished career on the bench as well as for contributions to achieving the goal of racial and ethnic fairness in the courts, the community and the practice of law. Lifting as you climb. A pioneer with “an unshakeable moral compass.” |
||
 |
Hon. Lewis L. Douglass This is a special recognition reserved for those who served in a leadership position within the ranks of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, who contributed to its establishment and continuation in a superior manner. The qualities required for this distinction to be bestowed include: efforts undertaken by a leader during their active service which demonstrated their unwavering commitment to put the mission of the commission to promote racial and ethnic fairness, at the forefront of their priorities. In addition, this honor requires that the leader after passing the baton of leadership, continues to demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the work of the Commission. |
||
 |
Hon. Samuel L. Green An activist who creates a personal link or connection between cultures and races fostering communication and cooperation for the public good. Very few people fit such an extraordinary “bridge figure” profile deserving such recognition, but from time to time such an exceptional candidate may be identified by our leadership worthy of such distinction. Focuses although barrier breakers they don’t want to simply be the first; they are not the last. |
||