News  Justice George Lewis Ruffin Society honored 10 Judicial leaders and paid tribute to two well-respected judges

The Justice George Lewis Ruffin Society inducted 10 judges—both sitting and retired—into its 2026 Class of “Distinguished Fellows,” and posthumously honored two legendary jurists—Hon. Julian T. Houston and Hon. Leslie Harris—during a special ceremony on Thursday, October 29th. The event was held in Northeastern University’s Alumni Center.

The 2026 Distinguished Fellows include:

• Hon. Kimberly Budd, SJC Chief Justice
• Hon. Margaret A. Burnham,
• Hon. Geraldine S. Hines
• Hon. Michael C. Bolden
• Hon. Frederick L. Brown
• Hon. Kathleen E. Coffey
• Hon. Michelle Fentress
• Hon. Angel Kelley
• Hon. Michael E. Williams
• Hon. Pamela M. Dashiell

In addition to the induction, Hon. Roderick Ireland, retired Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) Chief Justice, was presented with a surprise recognition by the Ruffin Society for his more than 50 years in the legal field.

The audience featured a veritable “who’s who” of Massachusetts jurists and criminal justice leaders. Attendees included Appeals Court Associate Justice Kenneth Desmond Jr., and Boston Municipal Court Chief Justice Tracy Lee Lyons. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden, former Suffolk DA Ralph C. Martin, Massachusetts Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill, Tufts University Police Chief Yolanda Smith, Department Captain Detective Lisa Butner.

“The Ruffin Society Board was pleased to recognize Hon. Julian T. Houston and Hon. Leslie E. Harris, both known for their pivotal work in the courts and community. We were excited to induct a new class of “Distinguished Fellows” into the Ruffin Society, before an audience of individuals who are also quite accomplished in their own right,” said Anthony Owens, Ruffin Society President.

Established in 1984, the Justice George Lewis Ruffin Society was created “to support persons of color within the Massachusetts criminal justice system, and to establish a greater understanding between communities of color and the criminal justice profession.”

The Ruffin Society is named in honor of the first Black judge to preside at a US court. Justice Ruffin was appointed First Justice at the Boston Municipal Court in 1883.

In 1869, Justice Ruffin became the first Black person to graduate from Harvard Law School, and was likely the first Black American to obtain a law degree. He served in the Massachusetts State Legislature before his appointment as Justice in the Charlestown Court.