Genine Edwards sworn in as justice of the Supreme Court

December 22, 2015 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

A ceremony was held for Justice Genine D. Edwards (left) as she was officially sworn in as the newest justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York by Justice Sylvia G. Ash at Borough Hall on Monday. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese.

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She’s moving on up to the supreme court. After serving as a Civil Court judge since 2006, Justice Genine D. Edwards was officially sworn in as a justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York during a special ceremony at Borough Hall on Monday night.

New York state Assemblymember Annette Robinson served as mistress of the ceremony as Hon. Frank R. Seddio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Public Advocate Letitia James, state Sen. Jesse Hamilton, Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Hon. George J. Silver, Gregory T. Cerchione and Rev. W. Taharka Robinson all gave remarks to a standing-room-only crowd that included many judges, elected officials and court personnel.

“Genine is a trailblazer, she has had a legacy of public service in her heart and in her soul. It’s basically a part of her DNA,” James said. “I congratulate her today.”

Adams also presented Edwards with a citation on behalf of his office, as did Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte.

“Our lives are defined by our professions, but it’s what we do beyond the role of being a judge, of being a cop, doctor or lawyer that matters most, and no one does that better than Judge Edwards,” Adams said. “Look at her bio — she gives back in so many ways. There is a long list of things that she’s done to get to this point.”

The event was also a family affair as Edwards’ father, Linwood C. Johnson, helped to swear her in, her three sons, Bryce Carter, Cole and Chase performed the robing ceremony, and her three brothers, Gerard Johnson, Gamal Johnson and Lamar Coombs, each gave speeches.

“Like so many people who are forced to say such good things about their sister…I don’t have that problem,” joked Gerard. “I’ve always been very proud of her and have nothing bad to say about her. Genine, I guess I can’t say Genine anymore, Honorable Genine D. Edwards, I love you so much and I’m so proud.”

All of the speakers painted a picture of a strong woman who has been determined to let nothing stand in her way of her goals. Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix recalled a story of a phone call she got from Edwards back in 2003, stating that she wanted to become a judge. Hinds-Radix said that she has never regretted helping her because of the exemplary judge that Edwards has become.

“I am never sorry for what I’ve done,” Hinds-Radix said. “This started with a friendly conversation. I’m certain that eventually I will see her in the Court of Appeals because she never lets anyone stand in her way of where she wants to go.”

Edwards was eventually sworn in by Hon. Sylvia G. Ash with the help of her father and three sons. Afterward, the newly minted Justice Edwards gave a speech during which she hardly mentioned her accomplishments, and spent the entire time thanking her many family, friends and colleagues in attendance.

“Thank you for coming to share this moment with me,” Edwards said.