
Brooklyn courts Launch Black History Celebration with arts and culture at the forefront

Photos: Robert Abruzzese/Brooklyn Eagle
The Brooklyn court system commenced its Black History Month celebration with an opening ceremony that featured Meredith Suttles, managing director of the Marin Theatre Company, as the keynote speaker.
The event, part of a longstanding tradition now in its 26th year, was organized by the Kings County Courts Black History Month Committee, co-chaired by Leah Richardson and Hon. Deborah Dowling.

“You know she has to be dynamic because she is the managing director of the Marin Theatre Company. and that is not a title you just walk into,” Justice Dowling said of Suttles. Dowling also took a moment to thank retired justice Hon. Lewis Douglass and the late Izetta Johnson for being responsible for creating the court tradition.

During her keynote speech, Suttles, an accomplished arts leader with a rich background in creative and performing arts, explored the multifaceted meaning of “Do it for the culture,” highlighting its role in celebrating shared beliefs, legacy and the diverse contributions to the African American community.

“In a world that is increasingly interconnected, ‘Do it for the culture’ has emerged as a powerful and resonant declaration,” Suttles said, emphasizing the phrase’s dual role as both a celebration and a call to action.

“It’s an acknowledgment of the struggles faced and triumphs achieved by those who came before us,” she continued. “When we say we’re ‘doing it for the culture,’ we’re expressing our shared commitment to carrying on and advancing the essence of who we are.”

With a career spanning several prestigious organizations, including Theater WorksUSA and the New York City Opera, Suttles has been instrumental in using the arts to foster community dialogue and inspire civic engagement.

The ceremony, presided over by Hon. Lola Waterman, also featured remarks from other dignitaries and contributions from local artists, embodying this year’s theme, “African Americans and the Arts: Creativity is the Heart and Soul of African-American People.”

The ceremony featured a procession of judges, presentation of colors by the Elite Color Guard from Franklin K. Lane High School, and performances of the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem by Terrell Lane. Father Steve Foster of St. Peters Episcopal Church in Rosedale, Queens, offered the invocation and a prayer of remembrance.

The program also included remarks from Hon. Matthew D’Emic and Hon. Lawrence Knipel, administrative judges for the Supreme Court for Criminal and Civil Matters in the 2nd Judicial Department, respectively. Special presentations and remarks were made by Hon. Deborah Dowling, with the benediction provided by Deputy Borough President Reverend Kimberly Council.

Contributing sponsors for the event included the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association.
Leave a Comment
Related Articles


FBI agents sue over Justice Dept. effort to ID employees involved in Trump-related investigations

Bay Ridge Lawyers Association’s monthly CLE lecture covers ‘Filing of a Probate and Administration in Kings County Surrogate Court’
