CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – The Suffolk County Courts concluded their 2026 Black History Month observance with a Grand Celebration on Wednesday in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex in Central Islip. The event marked the culmination of a month-long series of educational and cultural programs honoring the history, achievements, and enduring contributions of Black Americans. The Grand Celebration brought together members of the judiciary, court staff, attorneys, and community leaders in recognition of this year’s national theme, “100 Years of Celebrations.”
The ceremony was presided over by Suffolk’s District Administrative Judge, Hon. Andrew A. Crecca, and featured remarks, award presentations, live singing performances, and a luncheon reception.
“It is fitting that we mark 100 years of Black History commemorations this year alongside the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence because Black history is not a separate story,” said Administrative Judge Crecca at the ceremony. “Black history is so deeply interwoven with our nation’s identity that it is an integral part of American history.”
During the program, the court proudly honored Hon. Paul Wooten, Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, with the Hon. Marquette L. Floyd Achievement Award in recognition of his distinguished service to the judiciary and the community. Justice Wooten, who also served as the event’s keynote speaker, has built a distinguished career spanning civil rights advocacy, public policy leadership, and judicial service. Through decades of public service and legal leadership, Justice Wooten has made a lasting impact on the Black community by promoting equal access, representation, and opportunity within both government and the justice system.
“Justice Wooten embodies the values that Justice Floyd stood for throughout his life,” said Administrative Judge Crecca.
The award’s namesake, Marquette L. Floyd, was a distinguished jurist who became Suffolk County’s first African American elected a District Court Judge and Supreme Court Justice in 1969 and in 1989, respectively. The award is given to a distinguished individual who not only serves as a role model in the legal profession, but who also stands as a trailblazer in the African American community.
“Black history in our courts is not simply about what barriers existed,” said Justice Wooten after receiving the award. “It is about what we have built in response to those barriers; it is about constitutional principles becoming lived realities and ensuring that dignity is never selective. Let our history remind us that the courthouse is a doorway to a path of justice that is understandable and humane to all.”
Among the notable attendees were Lorie-Ann Bitetti, the court’s District Executive, Hon. Cheryl Joseph, Supervising Judge of Suffolk’s Supreme Court Matrimonial Parts and Chair to Suffolk’s Equal Justice in the Courts Committee, Diane Clark, Esq., President of the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association, and Hon. John Leo, Supreme Court Justice and President of Suffolk’s Bar Association.
The program also involved the presentation of the Hon. Toni A. Bean Award, which recognizes individuals whose work reflects a commitment to justice, service, and community leadership. This year’s Toni Bean Award was presented to Jacqueline McClean, who recently retired as a judicial secretary after decades of faithful service to New York’s Unified Court System, where she dutifully supported judges and court operations. Beyond the courts, Ms. McClean continues to impact her local community by supporting youth development, charities, and family initiatives in need across Suffolk County.
In addition to the awards presentations and varied speeches, the court’s Grand Celebration also included vocal performances by Jaysen Pommells, a Long Island-based singer and proud Jamaican who gave stirring renditions of the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” After the event, all guests and honorees in attendance were invited to the court’s Central Jury Room for a delicious ethnic lunch reception that was catered by Jamaica Grand Restaurant of Amityville.
The Suffolk Courts’ multi-faceted observance of Black History Month began earlier this month with an educational lecture examining the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali and continued with a documentary film screening of The Green Book: Guide to Freedom, which explored the experiences of African American travelers during the era of segregation. In addition, courthouse facilities featured month-long displays of artwork and historical exhibits – graciously donated by Islip Arts Council and Eastville Community Historical Society of Sag Harbor – which celebrated Black culture, history, and achievement.
“As we celebrate this milestone year, let us continue to be inspired by the rich history of so many pioneering Black Americans and by their powerful stories that continue to shape our nation,” said Judge Cheryl Joseph during the ceremony. “The Black History Month celebration has become a deeply rooted and powerful tradition, right here in our Suffolk County courthouses and across the nation.”
The Suffolk County Courts’ 2026 Black History Month observance served as a comprehensive tribute to history, culture, and service, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to education and public engagement.
