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

February 6, 2025 Wayne Daren Schneiderman

Hon. Norma Jean Jennings (second from right), her wife, Hon. Juliet Howard, and their two sons. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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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.

Presentation of colors by the New York State Courts Ceremonial Unit. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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.

Hon. Norma Jean Jennings speaks. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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.

Hon. Norma Jean Jennings alongside Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Vice Chair Henry Butler. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

“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.”

Hon. Norma Jean Jennings (right) and her wife, Hon. Juliet Howard. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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.”

Hon. Norma Jean Jennings alongside 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. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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.”

Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (left) presenting Hon. Norma Jean Jennings with a citation from the New York State Assembly. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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.

Hon. Norma Jean Jennings being sworn in by Hon. Adam Silvera, deputy chief administrative judge. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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.”

Attorney General Letitia James addressing the crowd. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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.

Attorney General Letitia James (left) alongside Hon. Norma Jean Jennings. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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.”