Brooklyn courts Launch Black History Celebration with arts and culture at the forefront

The Brooklyn court system commenced its Black History Month celebration with an opening ceremony that featured Meredith Suttles, managing director of the Marin Theatre Company, as the keynote speaker. 

The event, part of a longstanding tradition now in its 26th year, was organized by the Kings County Courts Black History Month Committee, co-chaired by Leah Richardson and Hon. Deborah Dowling.

“You know she has to be dynamic because she is the managing director of the Marin Theatre Company. and that is not a title you just walk into,” Justice Dowling said of Suttles. Dowling also took a moment to thank retired justice Hon. Lewis Douglass and the late Izetta Johnson for being responsible for creating the court tradition.

During her keynote speech, Suttles, an accomplished arts leader with a rich background in creative and performing arts, explored the multifaceted meaning of “Do it for the culture,” highlighting its role in celebrating shared beliefs, legacy and the diverse contributions to the African American community. 

“In a world that is increasingly interconnected, ‘Do it for the culture’ has emerged as a powerful and resonant declaration,” Suttles said, emphasizing the phrase’s dual role as both a celebration and a call to action.

“It’s an acknowledgment of the struggles faced and triumphs achieved by those who came before us,” she continued. “When we say we’re ‘doing it for the culture,’ we’re expressing our shared commitment to carrying on and advancing the essence of who we are.”