One Brooklyn
“I join all Brooklynites in mourning the passing of retired New York State Supreme Court Justice William C. Thompson Sr., a man who I have been honored to call a friend and confidant for so many years. A proud graduate of Brooklyn College and Brooklyn Law School, he served our nation with distinction in World War II as a member of the Army’s ‘Buffalo Soldiers.’ Justice Thompson broke barriers as our borough’s first Black state senator, and continued to break barriers as he ascended the ranks of our judicial system. Across five decades, Justice Thompson was the embodiment of the principles we expect out of public service, values he imparted to his children Bill and Gail. His legacy of public good includes meaningful work to advance quality child care, combat breast cancer, mentor young law students, as well as bring together our African-American and Jewish communities. Our One Brooklyn family will collectively carry Justice Thompson’s torch in the struggle for justice going forward.”
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