BY: JOLECIA SAUNDERSON, SUMMER 2021 COLLABORATOR AT POWER IN PLACE
Meet Hon. Harriet L. Thompson
Kings County Surrogate Judge Harriet L. Thompson was named after the great Harriet Tubman and she always felt it was her destiny to walk in Tubman’s path, due to the great name bestowed upon her. Harriet L. Thompson earned her bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and her law degree from Albany Law School. Prior to joining the civil court, she practiced law at her own firm: Harriet Thompson & Associates LLP in Fort Greene, Brooklyn N.Y.
Gems dropped in our interview
During our interview, I was given the real on real estate: the importance of investing early, the power that comes with setbacks and rising from them, as well as, learning to accept your differences and making them strengths. Throughout our interview Judge Harriet L. Thompson provided such a comforting and inspirational atmosphere. As I looked around me at the art and degrees in her office I felt a sense of immediate empowerment. A quote from our conversation that I will hold dearly to my heart as I move through the rest of my journey of life is: “As you grow, enjoy the roses cause there's so many around you don't lose sight of the beauty and other things in the world.” It’s moments like these that remind me to always show and have gratitude towards the world and to never take for granted the good times as well as to make good memories to look back on because those are what truly matter in the end.
Character and what does it look like?
We also discussed the importance of character and how to nurture it. Character is more than what you say you're going to do; it has to be followed up with specific actions. Character can be developed through consistency, wisdom, understanding, and all things that come from experience. This specific conversation stood out to me because it made me reflect on the ways in which great leaders act on their visions and goals instead of having them and keeping them trapped in their heads or not making any moves at all.
What does leadership look like to you and why?
Leaders are people with the courage to create pathways of change for those around them who need help the most as well as to act on the visions that they have for themselves and for others when it pertains to the present and future. In addition, in our interview we were able to discuss the importance of leaders to: Reach back and pull the hands of others forward.
What art piece holds the most significance to you?
We both bonded over our love for images and art holding a significant place in our lives. During the interview in her office, I asked her which art around us meant the most to her. She pointed to a picture of Martin Luther King and explained this is due to his enlightened leadership. In addition, she pointed to two owls since they, too, symbolize wisdom. I mentioned my global world heart and how I loved the idea of spreading love and care throughout the world. Overall, I appreciated and loved our whole interview and this experience is something I will forever cherish.
Jolecia Saunderson is an incoming sophomore student at Brandeis University. She is majoring in African and African American Studies and Politics. She is passionate about social policy, activism, educational justice, hair, and law. In her free time she enjoys writing poetry, spoken word, art, and dance. On campus, she plans to volunteer, join the Student Union, and to start her own club: The Multicultural Hair, Art, & Empowerment Club.
