Morris/Sussex Vicinage Celebrates Law Day and Opens 'Black Pioneers in the Law' Exhibit

Event Honors Key Members of Morris and Sussex Communities, Features Exhibit on Display through Juneteenth

The Morris/Sussex Vicinage will celebrate Law Day with a special program and the opening of the "Black Pioneers in the Law" exhibit on Wednesday, May 3 at 4 p.m. in the historic courtroom of the Morris County Historic Courtroom in Morristown. This year's Law Day event, themed "Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration," will feature a presentation of colors by the Morris County Sheriff's Honor Guard Unit and welcoming remarks from Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz.

Trial Court Administrator Susan Chait will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, while Administrative Director Glenn A. Grant delivers the keynote address. The Morristown High School Vocal and String Ensemble, directed by Norma Davis, will provide musical entertainment. Morris County Bar Association President Steven J. Lowenthal will honor the members of the West Morris Mendham High School mock trial team, with Morris County Bar Foundation President Christopher Schellhorn Jr. presenting certificates and a plaque.

Following the Law Day program, retired director of Probation Services Rashad Shabaka-Burns, and Donita Judge, associate executive director for the Center for Constitutional Rights, will give brief remarks. They will be joined by Superior Court Judge Michael A. Wright and attorney Charles Craig for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the "Black Pioneers in the Law" exhibit, which honors key members of the Morris and Sussex communities.

The exhibit, on loan from the Bethel Church of Morristown, will be on display in the jury assembly room through June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth. It features display cases containing artifacts, photographs, and news articles recognizing black pioneers in the law. The event, open to the public, is sponsored by multiple organizations and committees in the Morris/Sussex Vicinage, along with the Morris and Sussex County Bar associations, the Morris County Bar Foundation, Morris Arts, Art in the Atrium, and the Bethel Church of Morristown.

For more information about the celebration, contact Ombudsman Jennifer Shultis at 862-397-5700, ext. 75069, or EEO/AA Officer Brian Maroldi at ext. 75253.