Nearly 300 members of the Brooklyn legal community gathered at Brooklyn Law School recently to witness Justice Joanne Quiñones’ official installation as a Kings County Supreme Court Justice.
The illustrious ceremony filled with tradition and community spirit as approximately 100 judges and three dozen past interns were in attendance as a show of support for Justice Quiñones within the legal and local communities.
The program commenced with a call to order by Lt. Jessica Hernandez, president of the Latino Court Officers Society, followed by a spirited performance by the Junior Empire Marching Elite from the Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts. The judicial procession and presentation of colors by the New York State Courts Ceremonial Unit set a dignified tone for the evening.
Hon. Matthew Cooper served as the master of ceremonies, introducing judicial speakers including Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Hon. Joseph A. Zayas, chief administrative judge; Hon. Edwina Richardson, deputy chief administrative judge for justice initiatives; Hon. Deborah Kaplan, deputy chief administrative judge for New York City Courts, and Hon. Frank Seddio.
Photo courtesy of Hon. Joanne Quiñones
Other speakers included Assemblymember Erik Dilan; District Leaders Henry Butler and Arleny Alvarado-McCalla; and Shaquana Boykin, Carihanna Morrison and Jasmine Valle.
The highlight of the evening was the oath of office, administered by Hon. Hector LaSalle, presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, to Justice Quiñones, who then took the stage to deliver her heartfelt speech.
Justice Quiñones expressed deep gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey, humorously noting the length of her speech as a nod to the 13 years it took to reach this moment. She acknowledged the pivotal role of the Brooklyn Democratic Party and key political figures such as Assemblymember Dilan and the former Democratic Party…
Read the full article here
