Black Judges and Black Girls
A Powerful Conversation of Legacy, Leadership, and Empowerment
In a stirring celebration of Women’s History Month, the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC), under the visionary leadership of founder and CEO Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah, partnered with the Honorable Justice Wavny Toussaint to present Black Judges and Black Girls in Conversation (BJBG) on March 23, 2025. Held at the elegant Brooklyn Prime Restaurant in downtown Brooklyn, this unforgettable event brought generations of Black excellence together for an evening of shared wisdom, inspiration, and empowerment.
The BJBG initiative honors Black women who have triumphed over adversity and now give back by mentoring the next generation. As Justice Toussaint explained, the judges offered powerful insights on mental health, personal safety, civic engagement, community leadership, entrepreneurship, and career advancement—essential lessons for young girls navigating their educational and life journeys.
A heartfelt prayer by Girl Scout leader and graduating senior Imani King set the tone for the afternoon. From there, seventeen Black female judges each connected one-on-one with seventeen girls (ages eight and up) in a dynamic exchange of stories and encouragement.
Highlights included a lesson in etiquette by Brooke Durrah, Justice for All by Hon. Robin Sheares, Spirituality and Well-Being by Hon. Lisa Lewis, health and community insights from youth advocate Kennedy Austin, and a moving tribute to the legendary Hon. Yvonne Lewis by Justice Toussaint herself. Hon. Juliet Howard delivered poetic praise, lifting the room with rhythm and reverence.
Dr. Durrah also invited key women from her support circle to share in the moment, including President Sheila Davis of Church Women United (CWU), Bishop Barbara E. Lucas, Ms. Elwanda Young, and Ms. C. Doris Pinn—trailblazers whose presence added depth and dignity to the celebration.
NTAC extended heartfelt thanks to Craig and Laura Samuels of B+C Restaurants (Peaches Prime) for their generous hospitality, and to Brooke Durrah of DurrahHurrah.com for her expert design and strategic planning that brought the evening to life.
About NTAC:
The Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC) is a trusted partner to philanthropists, foundations, government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based institutions working to uplift underserved and low-income communities. Through strategic advising and program development, NTAC empowers these stakeholders to deliver meaningful and sustainable impact.
