Kings County inducts first Black, openly LGBTQ+ justice to the Supreme Court
Hon. Norma Jean Jennings: ‘We have come a long way, and Brooklyn should be proud of its diverse bench’
Hon. Richard Montelione performs the swearing-in of Hon. Norma Jean Jennings. Also pictured: Jennings’ wife, Hon. Juliet Howard, and their two sons. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Hon. Norma Jean Jennings once again made judicial history as Brooklyn’s first Black, openly LGBTQ+ justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
On Feb. 19, Jennings was inducted at Brooklyn Law School before an impressive group of family, friends and members of the Unified Court System.
In 2025, she was sworn in as a judge of the Civil Court of the State of New York, making her the first Black, openly LGBTQ+ elected jurist in Brooklyn.
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 bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Montclair University and her juris doctorate from Columbia Law School.
Jennings and her wife, Hon. Juliet Howard, also made history as the first married LGBTQ+ couple appointed to the same court in New York.
“When I was in law school, I did not see many lawyers that looked like me or any Black judges,” Jennings told the audience. “But looking out this evening, we have come a long way, and Brooklyn should be proud of its diverse bench. However, we must continue to strive for even more diversity.”
‘A journey of extraordinary perseverance and triumph’
Hon. Joseph Zayas, chief administrative judge of the Unified Court System, referred to Jennings as “likeable, authentic, thoughtful, compassionate and a person who treats everyone with dignity.”
From left: Hon. Richard Montelione; Sarana Purcell, former district leader of the 43rd Assembly District; Shaquana Boykin, district leader of the 57th Assembly District; and Professor Gregorio Mayers, Esq. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
“It’s so great to be back in the great borough of Queens County!” Zayas quipped, much to the amusement of the crowd. “But seriously, tonight is very exciting for me as the chief administrative judge of the state to see the caliber and diversity of the judges being nominated to the Supreme Court in Brooklyn.”
Hon. Adam Silvera, deputy chief administrative judge, NYC Courts, said it is his honor and privilege to introduce a trailblazer, champion of justice and beacon of hope for the Brooklyn community.
“Your journey to this moment is one of extraordinary perseverance and triumph,” Silvera said. “Your story is a testament to the American dream, to the promise that hard work, determination and talent can overcome any obstacle.”
From left: Hon. Norma Jean Jennings, her wife, Hon. Juliet Howard, and their two sons. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Henry Butler, Kings County Democratic Party vice chairperson and district leader for the 56th assembly district, took a political stance at the podium.
“We are going through very challenging times today,” he said. “We are facing an administration that has gone past pushing boundaries. That said, more than ever, we are depending on the courts to maintain justice and to uphold the Constitution.”
Butler spoke to the importance of judges in the Unified Court System, specifically Jennings. “We need people like Judge Jennings — jurists who will not be intimidated by those in power and uphold the law.”
Hon. Norma Jean Jennings speaks. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Retired Surrogate’s Court judge, Kings County Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner and past Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio was not there in person, but his presence was felt.
In a statement, Seddio wrote that he has enjoyed the friendship between him and Jennings.
“Although my words would only be a small part of expressing the goodness of your character, I wanted this opportunity to congratulate you and wish you all the best on this momentous and special occasion,” he wrote.
Hon. Norma Jennings was inducted at Brooklyn Law School on Feb. 19. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Passing the baton
Hon. Lawrence Knipel spoke on behalf of his wife, Lori, who couldn’t make it.
“It is truly an honor to celebrate your induction,” Lori wrote, calling Jennings “sharp, steady, fair, pragmatic and deeply compassionate.”
Knipel added that Brooklyn is fortunate to have a justice like Jennings. “She will be a credit to our Kings County Supreme Court bench.”
Howard said Jennings is more than an amazing jurist and legal scholar, “she is my love and my best friend.”
Hon. Juliet Howard, left, alongside Hon. Norma Jean Jennings. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Hon. Richard Montelione, who performed the swearing-in, noted that the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way but still has a long way to go in terms of equality.
“It was not that long ago that to be gay was considered a psychiatric disorder,” Montelione said. “Until Norma’s election, I was the only openly gay elected justice sitting in Brooklyn Supreme Court. I truly feel like a baton is being passed.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
