"The idea that a court should try to solve the problems of people charged with crimes or the communities they impacted was absolutely a novelty, was revolutionary...they asked, 'Why can't courts do all of that?'" said Courtney Bryan, executive director of the Center and a former director of the Midtown Community Justice Center (formerly Midtown Community Court).
And this court did.
On Tuesday, December 5, we had the privilege of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Midtown Community Justice Center with a group of changemakers dedicated to advancing justice in the city.
Our executive director, Courtney Bryan, and Midtown Community Justice Center director, Danielle Mindess, led the event, welcoming community leaders and partners across New York’s justice scene.
Inspiring opening remarks were provided by Midtown Community Justice Center Judge John Zhuo Wang and Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson, and we held a special panel discussion with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Mindy Tarlow, Errol Louis, Rasmia Kirmani, and Marlon Peterson.
In the words of Judge Wilson, "Midtown is living proof that when we put people at the center of our work, the results that follow are in a holiday word miraculous. And unlike those holiday movies, Midtown Community Court is here to uplift all of us all year round."
Here’s to 30 more years of Midtown Community Justice Center!