Heartbreaking loss in this week leading up to the religious holiday that honors when Jesus laid down his life for ALL people.  

Loving, not hating.  Sacrificing, and giving – even His life.

I cannot even comprehend why anyone would take the life of a woman who has contributed so much power, grace, justice, empowerment and life to others.  Of course, it’s too early to know who, what, when, and why – for SURE. But, at a minimum, we can and should embrace that serving others in the legal profession comes at a cost.  At times, of life itself.  

Love to you all, SCC

From the Washington Post, authored by By SAMANTHA SCHMIDT:

“Sheila Abdus-Salaam, the first African American woman to serve on New York’s top court and the first female Muslim judge in the United States, was found dead in the Hudson River on Wednesday, police said. She was 65.

The body of Abdus-Salaam, a native of Washington, D.C., was found fully clothed in the river in Upper Manhattan at 1:45 p.m., a day after her husband had reported her missing, according to the New York Police Department. There were no signs of trauma or injury on the body, and the cause of death is still under investigation.

It is not yet known how Abdus-Salaam, who lived in Harlem, ended up in the river, or how long her body had been there. Her death shook the New York legal community, prompting responses from colleagues, judges, and state and local political leaders.”

More on those responses from those colleagues, judges and state and local political leaders – and about Ms. Abdus-Salaam, by CLICKING THIS LINK.