A gathering of local, state, and federal officials took place at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, for the induction ceremony of Cassandra A. Johnson as the newly elected Queens County Surrogate’s Court judge. The event on January 17 coincided with Judge Johnson's birthday and marked her historic achievement as the first Black woman to hold this position.

Judge Johnson was elected in November to begin her term on January 1, 2025. The ceremony drew over 400 attendees to the D’Angelo Center's fourth-floor ballroom, where they celebrated with a Haitian-infused program that included music and a ballet performance by students from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School.

Stacie N.C. Grant, a fellow St. John’s graduate and Queens resident, served as the mistress of ceremonies. Jelani Jefferson Exum, Dean of St. John’s University School of Law, welcomed attendees and praised Judge Johnson for her dedication to equitable legal outcomes and service throughout her career.

Several public officials spoke at the event, including U.S. Senator Charles Schumer; New York State Attorney General Letitia James; Representatives Gregory Meeks and Grace Meng; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.; State Senator Leroy Comrie; Assemblymembers Vivian E. Cook and David I. Weprin; along with various local judges.

Judge Johnson will serve a 14-year term overseeing cases related to decedents' affairs, probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship petitions, and adoptions across Queens borough.

Born to Haitian immigrants, Judge Johnson was inspired by her mother Andrée Sylvestre-Johnson—a fellow St. John's Law graduate—to pursue a career in law. Reflecting on her journey, she said: “I began my legal career working for my mother in high school.”

As an undergraduate mathematics major at St. John’s University, she participated in several academic societies and completed her juris doctorate in 2006.

Judge Johnson expressed her commitment to public service: “I believe that in the service of our society, we must advance the law.” Her ceremonial oath was taken with family support as she embarked on this new chapter in her judicial career.