Norma Jean Jennings inducted as Brooklyn’s first Black LGTBQ+ elected judge

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — The glass ceiling has been shattered with the recent induction of Hon. Norma Jean Jennings — the first openly LGTBQ+ Black elected judge in all of Brooklyn. 

Jennings, who is now a judge of the Civil Court of the State of New York, was sworn in at Brooklyn Law School the evening of Jan. 30 before a throng of spectators. 

With more than two decades of experience — including roles as associate court attorney, housing court judge and supervising judge in NYC Housing Court — Jennings is the youngest of seven children and the first in her family to attend college. She received her B.A. in Political Science from Montclair University and her J.D. from Columbia University Law School. 

For more than 25 years, Jennings has lived in Brooklyn with her wife, Hon. Juliet Howard, and their two sons, making history as the first married LGBTQ+ couple appointed to the same court in New York. 

“Being elected a Civil Court judge allows me to continue my commitment to public interest, interact with the public and continue to ensure that the law is fairly and impartially applied to everyone regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation or economic status,” Jennings said, adding, “This has always been the driving force in my career, and the reason that I chose a career in law.” 

Attorney General Letitia James, who spoke at the induction, told the audience that history was being made there that day — “and we are celebrating that history.”

“I am very confident that Norma Jean will be a fair and impartial judge of Kings County and continue to defend everyone’s right to live as their true selves,” James said. “I’m honored and privileged to be here today.”

Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn called Jennings “a great human being, incredibly hardworking and fierce … We are looking for judges like you to set the stage.”

Frank Seddio, retired Surrogate’s Court judge, Democratic commissioner of Kings County Board of Elections, City of New York, and past chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, referred to Jennings as a gentle person with a good heart — someone who cares — “and that’s what makes you the kind of person that should be, and is, a judge,” Seddio said.

He also spoke about the diversity of New York City, especially Brooklyn, which he called “the greatest place on earth, and our bench reflects that greatness.” 

Assemblymember Henry Butler (D-56) and Brooklyn Democratic Party vice chair called Jennings “a fighter for Brooklyn and community — the type of person we want on the bench,” he added. 

Butler also said that witnessing equity, equality and diversity in the borough of Brooklyn is a great thing. “It gives us hope.” 

Hon. Juliet Howard, Jennings’s wife, pointed out that “Norma is a brilliant jurist and the type of person who is always looking to help others. She strives to be the best person she can be for the community, for families, and for herself. I see her continuing her commitment to justice and to the people of Brooklyn.”