Upcoming Events | NYCOURTS.GOV

Previous Years Events

Diversity Awards

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission Diversity Awards Night

On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, the Franklin H. Williams Commission hosted the 2021 Diversity Awards program in recognition of New York judges, lawyers and legal professionals who have made significant contributions to further racial and ethnic fairness in the courts and justice system. Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks and Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina G. Mendelson joined the Williams Commission co-chairs, Hon. Troy K. Webber and Hon. Shirley Troutman, and the Diversity Awards Committee co-chairs, Hon. Lenora Foote Beavers and Nadine C. Johnson, to honor the 2021 recipients and reflect on the impactful work of the Commission. The Williams Commission honored eleven individuals from within and outside the court system for their efforts to advance the principles of diversity, equality and justice. The Commission is proud 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. This year, the Commission celebrates its 30th anniversary as a permanent entity dedicated to ensuring racial and ethnic fairness within the courts and legal profession.

2021 Diversity Awards Recipients
Dr. Jodie Roure, Director, Diversity Prelaw Pipeline Programs, John Jay College
Pipeline to Equity in Legal Education and the Profession Award

Jasmine I. Valle, Principal Law Clerk, New York State Unified Court System
Advancement of Diversity Award

Joy Anastasia Thompson, Assistant General Counsel, New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings
Leading the Way Award

Lillian M. Moy, Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York
Outstanding Legal Services Award

Donald Edwards, New York State Court Officer, Bronx County Supreme Court
Shattering Racial Ceiling Award

John Caher, Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications, New York State Unified Court System
Special Commendation Award

Hon. Randolph F. Treece, Of Counsel, E. Steward Jones Hacker Murphy LLP and Retired U.S. Magistrate Judge for Northern District of New York
Trailblazer Award

Joyce Y. Hartsfield, former Executive Director, Franklin H. Williams Commission
Drum Major for Justice Award

Hon. La Tia W. Martin, Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County
Hon. Sheila Abdus-Salaam Outstanding Jurist Award

Hon. Lewis L. Douglass, Retired Supreme Court Justice, Kings County, and former Chair of Franklin H. Williams Commission
Founders Award

Hon. Samuel L. Green, Retired Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Dept.
Bridge to Justice Award

Please click on the link below to view the Awards Journal for more information about each of the eleven inspiring awardees and the work of the Williams Commission over the last thirty years.

Thirtieth Anniversary-Diversity Awards Journal

A Bridge to Justice