Over 22 years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to be the Presiding Judge of the Red Hook Community Justice Center. While our jurisdiction covers over 230,000 people living in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Sunset Park and Red Hook, we are located in Red Hook and have enjoyed a close relationship with the Red Hook community.
Before the court opened, I introduced myself at a community meeting as the judge of the Justice Center and a woman asked if I was really a judge. Puzzled, I asked her why she didn’t believe me. She replied, well, we’ve never had a judge out here – and a partnership between court and community was born. Because, in that moment, I was stunned and embarrassed to be part of a court system that had such a disconnect between court and the community it serves and I vowed that the Justice Center would be part of the fabric of our community.
I knew that, as the first multi-jurisdictional court in the country, we were going to hear Criminal, Family and Housing Court cases. And to solve problems in court and the community, we would be providing many services, court mandated or available on a walk-in basis – from substance abuse treatment, mental health and trauma counseling to job training, peacemaking, youth programs, GED classes and a housing resource center which empowers NYCHA tenants.
But I didn’t know that years after we opened, social justice would be at the forefront of community demands across the nation. I didn’t realize that treating people with respect and giving them a voice in court on their case – common sense to us in our court – represented such a profound shift from the traditional approach. I didn’t foresee that the Justice Center would become a model court for over 60 courts across our country and over 30 courts in other countries. And that our practice of “treating people like people and not case numbers,” was going to be the keystone of a community court movement worldwide.
But most importantly, I didn’t know that I would learn so much about life from people living in the Red Hook houses. Living in public housing is not easy. Public housing has been chronically underfunded and neglected and infrastructure maintenance has been postponed as the funding supports only patchwork repairs. Sandy construction – while looking promising on the drawing board, makes a simple walk to the store challenging and difficult to navigate, contending with chain link fences, scaffolding, blind spots and obstructed lighting.
Living in these conditions, day after day, could discourage and demoralize anyone. But what I’ve learned, is that rather than being disheartened and intimidated, the people of Red Hook are tenacious and resilient. They can and will rise above any obstacle, any barrier. They will let you know when things should be better and celebrate with you when they are. And they bring a joy and a zest for life even in the most difficult of times.
So, what they have taught me, is that the joy in life itself is found in the ability to rise above obstacles and barriers, and that a “True Champion,” is a person who does that – day after day, year after year. The people of Red Hook know how to live life every day – they come together in joy and in heartache but, most importantly, they will always come together.
They showed me that I don’t need to look beyond Red Hook East and Red Hook West to find everyday heroes, fighting the “good fight” for decent living conditions, and enduring construction hazards with an eye towards a better Red Hook.
I have been so privileged to serve this community. I have given my best because you deserve no less. As the Presiding Judge of the Red Hook Community Justice Center since we opened on April 5, 2000, I have been honored to serve the people of Red Hook, because they are “True Champions”.
While my time as the Presiding Judge has come to an end, I will forever be grateful to you for making me a better judge and helping to create the Red Hook Community Justice Center, a shining example of what justice should look like everywhere. As partners in justice, we have made a difference in the lives of people across our country and around the world.
Judge Alex Calabrese
Ed Note: The Red Hook Star-Revue has always held Judge Calabrese to be one of the most honorable people serving this community, He truly did it because he wanted to help, not himself, but others. And he succeeded.
