News  Dorchester Court is one of more than 80 courthouses across the state to celebrate Cultural Appreciation Week

Boston, MA — The Dorchester Boston Municipal Court staff, area residents, and legal community celebrated the cultural diversity of the community with music, displays, food, a Bazaar of community agencies, and a Hall of Flags representing the many nationalities of court employees and the community. The Dorchester event was one of more than 80 celebrations that took place at courthouses and community corrections centers throughout the Commonwealth as part of the Massachusetts Trial Court’s third annual Cultural Appreciation Week, September 23-27. 

This community-focused event was a celebration of the culture and gender diversity of court users, staff, and residents who live in the cities and towns surrounding the court. This year’s theme is “Being who you are in the world, as you are.”

During the ceremony, Chief Probation Officer Deirdre “Dee” Kennedy was posthumously honored and a certificate recognizing her commitment to diversity and inclusion was presented to family members. C.P.O. Kennedy passed away in March 2019. She was recognized for her contributions to the court in speeches by court officials: Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants, Massachusetts Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey, Court Administrator Jonathan Williams, Boston Municipal Court Chief Justice Roberto Ronquillo, Massachusetts Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan, and Dorchester Court Presiding Justice James Coffey.

"Diversity is the way we promote justice, equity, fairness, inclusion, and respect of all people regardless of their identity," said Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey. "It's essential that we value differences among our colleagues and court users, as we build awareness and appreciation into the fabric of who we are, and what we do."

“It was a wonderful event, enjoyed by all. One of the highlights was honoring our dear friend Dee Kennedy, the Chief of Probation who passed away in March,” said Judge Coffey.

“It is a special privilege to be part of this fitting acknowledgement of Deirdre Kennedy’s contribution to this court, this Probation Department, this community. Testimony to Chief Probation Officer Deirdre Kennedy’s impact on Dorchester District Court, the Dorchester Community, the 2,000 men and women of the Probation Service, and the 6,000 employee Trial Court for that matter,” said Probation Commissioner Edward J. Dolan.

Acclaimed singer Athene Wilson, who performs jazz, gospel, and R&B, provided music accompanied by Rollins Ross on keyboard. Milton Academy student Nyla Sams sang the National Anthem and performed a spoken word piece. Irish music was provided by former Dorchester Court Probation Officers and husband and wife duo, John and Teresa Owens, with a steel drum presentation by Probation Officer Keison Harry. Cultural displays highlighted Jamaican, Haitian, Irish, Cape Verdean, Panamanian, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Honduran, and Bolivian culture and history were set up throughout the court.

Dorchester Boston Municipal Court’s Cultural Appreciation Week event included a flu clinic and information on community resources at the court’s “Bazaar of Information and Action”. Representatives from various agencies that offer an array of support services included- S.T.R.I.V.E, Rosie’s Place, Upham's Corner Health Committee, Codman Square Branch Library, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Codman Square Neighborhood Health Center, Dorchester House, the Asian Task Force, Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corp. and the Haitian Women's Association were among the groups.

The Dorchester event was one of many free public events statewide that featured visual art, museum displays, music, dance, traditional clothing, cooking demonstrations, and cultural dishes that reflect each community where courts and centers are located. This year’s celebrations also included professional dance troupes, speakers, bands, and performances by school children.

Cultural Appreciation Week was an idea conceived by Deputy Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill who first galvanized a group of Probation employees called Cultural Proficiency Champions or Champions who serve as ambassadors at the courts and centers where they help individuals navigate the court system. The Cultural Appreciation celebration was launched in 2017 as a day-long event. After the success of the first Cultural Appreciation Day, Trial Court Chief Justice Carey extended it to a week.

Chief Justice Paula Carey, Milton Academy student Nyla Sams, SJC Chief Justice Ralph Gants, Court Administrator Jonathan Williams, and singer Athene Wilson.