Courthouse trailblazer Izetta Johnson celebrated for Black History Month
‘She was everything to us — an incredibly special person’
The late, longtime court employee Izetta Johnson, right, is seen with Justice Yvonne Lewis at her retirement party in 2015. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese
An interactive trivia game that Johnson previously hosted was brought back to life for Black History Month by Hon. Robin Sheares, who moderated the event, and the Black History Month Committee.
From left: Holly Riley; Yashauna John; Tyedanita McLean; Hon. Robin Sheares; Leah Richardson, co-chair, Black History Month Committee; and Jennifer Joly. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
The game consisted of questions about Black history, as well as queries based on the events that took place throughout the courthouse for this year’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor.”
The audience, although small, was considerably enthusiastic and quite knowledgeable on the subject matter.
Hon. Robin Sheares. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Questions ranged from the reasoning behind why Carter G. Woodson chose the month of February for Black History Month to the origins of the Tribune Society, a fraternal organization of African Americans and other minority court personnel.
Nicole Smith, court clerk specialist, grabs a prize. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Upon answering a question correctly, one would receive a small bagged, unmarked gift. At the end of the contest, the one with the most gifts would be deemed the victor.
Ultimately, it was Hon. Deborah Dowling who emerged victorious, snaring 10 prizes and also winning two additional grand prizes, including a Ghirardelli chocolate gift basket.
Hon. Deborah Dowling answering a question. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“It feels wonderful,” Dowling told the Brooklyn Eagle. “I love the fact that Justice Sheares used information from each courthouse program in conjunction with questions about Black history. Everyone seemed to have had a great time.”
Sheares pointed out that an event like the Izetta Johnson trivia game not only helps keep the memory of Johnson alive but also succeeds in having Black history top of mind.
Hon. Robin Sheares (left) beside trivia game finalists Hon. Deborah Dowling (in black mask), Jennifer Joly and Nicole Smith. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“She left such a lasting legacy,” Sheares said. “She was everything to us — an incredibly special person. I believe that God just made her that way.”
As trainer and manager of the court’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office, Johnson developed and led many important projects, including an award-winning Summer Youth Employment and Internship Program that she started in 1989.
From left: Holly Riley, Yashauna John, Leah Richardson, Hon. Deborah Dowling, Hon. Robin Sheares, Nicole Smith, Jennifer Joly, and Tyedanita McLean. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
She also chaired and co-chaired numerous events at the Supreme Court, including “Career Day” and “Unity Day,” along with committees such as the Gender Fairness Committee and the Supreme Court Black History Month Committee.
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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.
