A tribute to Hon. George Bundy Smith: leadership.

• Author: Fisher, Fern
• Position: New York Court of Appeals' Senior Associate Judge - Testimonial

I want to thank Fordham, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and Judicial Friends for pulling this event together, and I want to thank Fordham particularly for letting me say just a few words. It has been a long evening. I think everybody has said it all, but I do have a few additional things to say.

As I have matured, I learned that leadership is demonstrated in so many different ways and by so many different styles. Some lead by eloquent words, some lead by rolling up their sleeves, some lead by mentoring, and some lead by taking risks.

While writing the script for the video that you saw tonight, I came to understand that George Bundy Smith is all of the above. He is a consummate leader. I had always known that George was a scholar and brilliant; but by sifting through articles, talking to his schools, friends, and family, and looking through photos--especially the photo of the one black face at Andover Academy in a sea of white prep school boys; the picture of the jaunty kid with his hand on the ship, going off to Paris; and particularly his mug shot that he was proud to exhibit--I came to fully understand what a true leader George Bundy Smith is.

I also came to learn what true commitment to social justice is. After sitting there at night writing the script for the video, George, you really, really inspired me to keep working the hours that I continue to work, because it is clear that is what it takes to be truly committed.

What I can add to these tributes is how special Judge George Bundy Smith is to African American judges in the State of New York, and there are quite a few of us here tonight in tribute to him. He truly is the wind beneath our wings. There is no doubt about that which is demonstrated by George pulling you to the side and telling you to put in your application for the Appellate Division or for the Court of Appeals. It is George's constant encouragement, it is George's setting the standard that we have to work hard, that we must show judicial excellence, that we have to stay involved.

George and I were on the City Bar Fund together. I hate 8:00 A.M. meetings. I am not a morning person. I am more of a...