To the Esteemed Jurists of the Judicial Council:

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The NBA Centennial in Chicago was a powerful reminder of why our organization was founded and a profound inspiration to continue our work. In 1971, our Judicial Council’s founding documents declared one of our goals to be​:

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the eradication of racial and class bias from every aspect of the judicial and the law enforcement process.

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Fast forward to 2025, the presence of more than 318 Judges registered at our Annual Meeting was evidence that we have indeed been working individually and collectively to increase our ranks. It was wonderful to come together to celebrate our progress and that picture at Trinity U.C.C. was historic!

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There are other goals stated in our By Laws because as Lenny Kravitz would say ‘It Ain’t Over’. We have increased our ranks in the judiciary, and it might also be true in law enforcement, but we are a long way from declaring victory! And some say we are losing ground fast. Our challenge is to continue to operate our Courts in the normative state by providing justice to those who enter. While awaiting a return from the upside down place, we must continue as our predecessors have done since our founding 55 years ago. We must join together to provide each other sustenance, protection, and professional development. Our charge is to work individually in our Courts and collectively in our organizations to keep nudging that pendulum back towards justice.

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In the 1971-1972 inaugural address, our Judicial Council chair Hon. George Crockett Jr. said:

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Our Bench will always be prepared to define its values and accept its responsibilities, to make meaningful progress toward making “Equal Justice Under Law” a reality for all.

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In closing, someone sent this to me, and I now share it with you. “You carry two callings at once: to faithfully uphold and interpret the law as it stands and to remain vigilant as the very laws and systems you serve continue to shift around us. Both responsibilities are real, both are urgent, and both deserve your collective, full measure of wisdom and integrity. By honoring the balance between them, we strengthen not only our courts, but the public trust they were built to protect.”

 

More than 300 African American judges answered the call which in itself is proof that we are the vanguard of justice in our courts and communities. We understand the assignment and this body accepts it! So, let’s get to work.

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Yours in Justice and Service,

 

Justice Freddrenna M. Lyle

Chicago, IL