Lifelong Brooklynite Sharen Hudson becomes Supreme Court justice

CROWN HEIGHTS — Berean Baptist Church was the backdrop for Sharen Hudson, as she was officially inducted as justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York on the afternoon of Feb. 23 before a standing-room-only crowd. 

The lifelong Brooklyn resident was elected as a Civil Court judge of Kings County in 2011 and became an acting justice of the Supreme Court in 2017. 

Hudson told the Brooklyn Eagle that her objective is to do the best she can for the people of Brooklyn. 

“I will continue to serve equally, fairly and with compassion,” she said. 

Looking back  

After receiving her B.A. from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Hudson’s career officially started when she began work in the New State Unified Court System as a court officer. During her tenure there, she enrolled in Brooklyn Law School. Upon receiving her Juris Doctor degree, she then became a law clerk for a Civil and Supreme Court judge.

Hudson’s community involvement is extensive. She is currently on the board of the community council for Medgar Evers College and a member of the New York State Bar Association, Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, Association of Black Women Attorneys, the Judicial Friends, and the Tribune Society. She is also a former board member of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association.

‘A deep commitment to justice’  

New York Attorney General Letitia James, the lead speaker at Hudson’s induction, called her “a sister who has ascended to one of the highest points in the judiciary.” 

“She came from public housing in Red Hook,” James said. “While some say nothing good comes out of public housing, I discredit that; that’s a total lie.” 

James went on to call Hudson an outstanding individual who is very well respected. 

Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn noted that Hudson coming to the Supreme Court bench is “nothing short of incredible.” 

“She has a deep commitment to justice,” Hermelyn said, adding that she admires her perseverance and leadership.

Hermelyn pointed out that in the past few years, Brooklyn has elevated quite a diverse number of judges — “especially Black women judges,” she said. 

Deputy Borough President Kim Council said that Hudson “walks the walk and talks the talk.”

“She has amazing character — the kind of person that will roll up her sleeves and help anybody she can.” 

Hudson’s daughter Shelby also acknowledged her mother, calling her “intelligent, open-minded, and confident.” 

“The day that I found out my mom was going to be a judge, I contacted everyone — friends, neighbors, teachers — even the neighbor’s dog!” she quipped. “She inspires me. She lets me know that you can do anything you put your mind to.”