Distinguished Brooklyn lawyer Abayomi Whint makes case for Civil Court judge

On Sunday, distinguished Brooklyn lawyer Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Whint made her case for Civil Court judge in Kings County before congregants at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church on Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn.

“I am truly honored to be here today to fellowship with you,” said Whint in her address during the church’s Worship Service. “I want to start by sharing some powerful words from scripture that resonate deeply with me: ‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly’” (Leviticus 19:15).

Whint, who was born in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States when she was six years old, said these words “remind us of the sacred responsibility that comes with administering justice.

“Justice, as God intended, should be free from bias and rooted in fairness, equity, and truth,” said Whint, who was one of three lawyers nominated by the Kings County Democratic Party after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on July 17 that increased the number of judges appointed and elected statewide to help reduce the significant backlog in family and civil courts. “It is not just a concept but an active commitment that calls us to fairness, equity, and truth in every decision we make.”

Whint noted that the Bible also instructs in Deuteronomy 16:20: “Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

She said this verse “speaks directly to the importance of seeking justice in all that we do, ensuring fairness and integrity in the administration of the law.

“It reminds us that justice isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a spiritual duty to uphold fairness and virtue,” said Whint, stressing that, as a candidate for Civil Court judge, she would be “deeply committed to upholding the values of fairness, equity, and integrity in every ruling.

“I envision a courtroom where every voice is heard, where each individual is treated with dignity, and where every decision is made with unwavering integrity,” she added, disclosing that God has paved the way for her to fulfill her destiny and follow in the footsteps of her late grandfather, a magistrate judge and chief in Nigeria.

“His deep sense of fairness left a profound and lasting impact on me, shaping how I approach justice today,” continued Whint, who, before the Kings County Democratic Party nominated her, underwent a “thorough and transparent process” in which 11 candidates were evaluated and found qualified through a judicial screening process.

On July 28, Whint said she was “honored to be nominated,” along with Tawanna Marie St. Louis and Mark Kagan.

The next day, she said she “graciously accepted the nomination” and was “thankful for the opportunity to serve.”

Although these three seats are countywide and practically guaranteed, Whint said she believes “it is essential that the community has the opportunity to meet me and make an informed decision.

“We must all feel confident in the leaders chosen to serve our community, especially in matters as critical as justice,” she said, adding that her parents also played “a crucial role” in shaping her character and values.

Whint said her dad came to the US as a nurse, when the country needed more medical professionals, and that her mother, an educator, instilled in her “a strong commitment to advocacy and community service.”

“Community service has always been a cornerstone of my life, and my candidacy for the civil court is not just about earning a seat on the bench; it’s about ensuring that fairness, justice, and due process remain foundational principles in our legal system,” she said.

“Judicial races are incredibly important because judges make decisions that impact all of us – our families, neighbors and community,” she added. “Whether it’s family disputes, contract issues, housing rights, or matters of fairness, these decisions shape the fabric of our everyday lives and can either uplift or undermine justice.

“That is why I am running for judge: To ensure that justice is fair, transparent, and accessible to everyone,” Whint continued. “It is essential that we elect judges who are committed to fairness, equity, and truth in every case.”

In quoting Benjamin Disraeli – Dec. 21, 1804 to April 19, 1881, a British statesman, Conservative politician, and writer who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom – Whint said: “Justice is truth in action.”

“This reminds us that justice is not a passive ideal but an active pursuit of truth and fairness, grounded both in law and in compassion,” she said. “I believe in taking a human-centered approach – ensuring that people are always treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstance.

“I humbly ask for your support on Nov. 5, 2024,” Whint urged congregants – and the larger community. “Please come out to vote. Together, we can uphold the values of justice, equity, and fairness in our community.”

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, later told Caribbean Life that while the church allows candidates for elected offices to address the congregation, he, or the church, does not endorse any candidate.

Whint said she graduated cum laude from Connecticut College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, earning multiple honors and scholarships for her academic excellence.

She later obtained her juris doctorate (law degree) from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark, where she actively promoted racial justice as associate editor of the Race and the Law Review.

Throughout her career, Whint told Caribbean Life she has represented diverse clients and handled complex cases in various areas of law, including civil rights, restorative justice, and community development.

She has served as an assistant corporation counsel for New York City Law Department; an associate at Cantor, Epstein, & Mazzola; deputy managing attorney, administrative law judge, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Counselor with the Hearings Division of the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH); and, most recently, as a legal enforcement attorney with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

Whint said her work extends beyond the courtroom, stating that she has been a “vocal advocate” for diversity and inclusion within the FDNY. She has served on the Fire Commissioner’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity and led as president of FDNY’s Civilians Organized Network Nurturing Excellence, Community, and Trust (CONNECT), the first affinity group dedicated to civilians.

She said her leadership has helped shape policies “that foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all FDNY employees.”

In addition to her legal work, Whint is a certified mediator, arbitrator, and restorative circle keeper. She has dedicated “countless hours” to pro bono work and mentoring young professionals.

She said she has served Brooklyn as a volunteer arbitrator in Small Claims Court for over 10 years.

Whint said her commitment to restorative practices – focused on healing harm and building community – has also led her to collaborate with nonprofits to resolve conflicts using restorative circles. She currently serves on the board of the Restorative Justice Initiative.

She said her vision as a judge is “to ensure that everyone entering the courtroom is treated with dignity, respect and fairness”; believes that the legal system should serve everyone equally; and that justice should be “accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

As a judge, Whint said she will bring her extensive legal experience, deep commitment to social justice, and passion for community service to the bench, “working tirelessly to make Brooklyn a more just and equitable place for all.”