Living the ideals that America strives for
This year’s theme, “Cultures of the Caribbean Striving Together: Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger,” brought about a number of judicial powerhouses, including Hon. Rowan Wilson, chief judge of the State of New York; Hon. Norman St. George, first deputy chief administrative judge; Hon. Adam Silvera, deputy chief administrative judge for New York City Courts; Hon. Wavny Toussaint, Appellate Term presiding justice; Hon. Genine Edwards, administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court’s Civil Term; and Hon. Matthew D’Emic administrative judge for Criminal Matters in Kings County Supreme Court.
Wilson first addressed the audience on somewhat of a somber note.
“This country is about 250 years old and has a long history of failing to live up to its ideals — that diverse people should be included and treated equally,” Wilson said. “There are times when we’ve done better, and there are times when we have done worse.”
However, Wilson segued into a more optimistic perspective shortly thereafter.
“When one thinks about the people from the Caribbean, who come from diverse countries, with diverse languages, diverse ethnicities and diverse histories, they have found a way — you have found a way — to live the ideals that America strives for in this community. That’s what this country is supposed to do, and you are doing it. Hopefully, the rest of this nation can learn from that.”
St. George, who spoke next, referred to the day’s get-together and celebration as “critically important.”
“The theme, ‘Cultures of the Caribbean Striving Together: Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger,’ reminds us that diversity is strength, and we must work together and support each other to succeed,” St. George said.
He harkened back to when his late father came to the United States in 1956 to attend college.
“He came from a little island in the Caribbean known as Jamaica, West Indies,” St. George recalled. “The opportunity to come to this country was his shot, and he didn’t waste it. My father believed that education was the key to success in his country. He called it the great equalizer.”
St. George also pointed out that while paying tribute and celebrating Caribbean heritage, one must remember a few things.
“We have to appreciate where we came from, stick together to continue to achieve greatness and make sure that the generations after us have the tools that they need for success, most notably education and role models.”
