Guest Post: Judge Marcia “Great” Cooke

Judge Marcia “Great” Cooke

By Vanessa Singh Johannes

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Florida Bar Association’s South Florida Chapter (“FBA”) dedicated their annual gala extravaganza at the Four Seasons Miami to the late Judge Marcia G. Cooke, the first and only African American female to ever serve as a District Court judge in South Florida.  As many of us who practice in Miami know, Judge Cooke spent 18 stellar years on the federal bench, having served as a Magistrate Judge (Michigan), AUSA (SDFL), Chief Inspector General (Florida), and Assistant County Attorney (Miami) beforehand.  Since her untimely passing this past January, tributes have poured in memorializing Judge’s Cooke legacy.  But in a unique manner, the FBA managed to silence a room of 250 lawyers for nearly an hour as they strove to do more than commemorate Judge Cooke’s career.  They wanted us to appreciate, understand, and reflect on who Judge Cooke truly was – a woman who epitomized humility, grace, and kindness – and how we can all honor her legacy in our practice and daily lives.  Through a deliberate program, these goals they attained.

We got to hear from two “insiders” into the Judge’s life – both on and off the bench.  Judge Williams first walked us through a beautiful “story” of two little girls, herself and Judge Cooke, who had dreams that far exceeded the norm for women of that time.  Both of these girls, who grew up quite different, had a defining commonality: they were raised by strong, fierce mothers who taught them to do and be more than the world ever allowed them to do and be.  Judge Cooke defied odds in fulfilling her mother’s dream for her – going from a black girl born into segregated South Carolina, raised in the tough streets of urban Detroit, to one of the highest pinnacles of our profession.  And in doing so, she never forgot where she came from, including the idioms and parables she learned in the South and shared with others (“remember, pigs get fat; hogs get slaughtered”).  Nor did she forget who she served – the voiceless in the community; the people who don’t have it all – or her peers, friends, and family.  Indeed, as Judge Williams told us, it was Judge Cooke that reached out to her when she joined the bench, to serve as a friend, confidant, and mentor.  Just like that, the wishes for the two mothers of those little girls had come full circle and to life.

Judge Williams then presented the FBA’s prestigious Edward B. Davis Award, given to a judge who exemplifies excellence and service to the community, federal bench and bar, to Judge Cooke.  The award was received by Judge’s Cooke’s youngest sister, DeLois Cooke Sprystzak, who, like Judge Cooke and their mother, is a strong, fierce woman and serves as the Assistant Principal of a high school in Birmingham, Alabama.  DeLois explained that her sister’s middle name may have been “Gail,” but the “G” really stood for “Great,” as Judge Cooke was a great leader, sister, and friend.  Donning neon light-up sneakers, she also told the audience that her older sister worked tirelessly in her professional life to serve the public, a trait their parents instilled in them, and understood that being a federal judge was a privilege and gift.  (By the way, in wearing sneakers, DeLois fully understood the gala’s assignment.  The FBA requested that all guests donate a new pair of youth-sized sneakers to give back to kids in our community and to even WEAR their own hottest kicks to the event.  Note: with black-tie attire, this was not an easy feat for women to coordinate… but so well worth it for the cause and on the feet!)  DeLois also told us that her sister took measures to remember where she came from, how different her life could have been, and treat others with grace.  If you ever practiced before Judge Cooke, as I have, you know this to be true.  I’ll never forget when my infant son was sick during a trial she was presiding over.  With trepidation and tire, I asked to commence trial the following day at 11 am to take him to the doctor’s.  Not only did she grant my request, but the first question she asked once taking the bench was, “Ms. Johannes, how is your son today?”  Emphatic. Graceful. Human.    

After these personal anecdotes about Judge Cooke, the FBA announced the creation of the “Judge Marcia G. Cooke Scholarship,” which will award a law student with $5,000 towards their studies.  The recipient will be chosen and announced in 2024.  To end the night, the audience was reminded to live a life of public service and gratitude, but also levity and fun… just the way Judge Cooke would have wanted it.  And with that, Tomahawk steaks were enjoyed and champagne glasses clinked to toast a remarkable life lived. 

Here are some photos from the event: