Senate Resolution No. 2566
BY: Senator MAY
MOURNING the death of Langston McKinney, Syracuse
City Court judge, U.S. veteran, advocate, and valued
member of his community
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Judge Langston McKinney, noting
the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Judge Langston McKinney distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Judge Langston McKinney's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Langston McKinney was born and raised in Miami, Florida and
attended Howard University graduating in 1965; here, he completed a
bachelor's degree in chemistry and was recruited to become the first
Black scientist in the Research and Development Division at Carrier
Corporation in Syracuse, where he worked until he enlisted in the U.S.
Army and benefitted from the G.I. Bill to attend Syracuse University
College of Law; and
WHEREAS, With an inherent desire to help others, Langston McKinney
and a friend founded the Syracuse University Chapter of the Law Students
Civil Rights Research Council (LSCRRC) which ultimately allowed for him
to help voters in Albany, Georgia fight voter suppression via an
internship with the college organization before going on to graduate law
school and work in legal aid, helping residents of a housing community
develop a framework for tenant rights and giving legal assistance; and
WHEREAS, Langston McKinney worked at Onondaga Neighborhood Legal
Services and then at the Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society before going
on to partner at his own law firm, Maye, McKinney & Melchor; he was one
of four Black lawyers in Syracuse at the time, trailblazing the field of
law and undoubtedly inspiring many others in his wake; and
WHEREAS, Appointed to his first term as judge on Syracuse City Court
in 1986, Judge Langston McKinney brought a unique and informed
perspective to the bench; he believed that judges bring the summation of
their life experiences, both positive and negative, to their position of
serving as a judge and he used this idea to advocate for fairer and more
equitable ruling practices and considerations over the course of his
over 24 years of experience in the role before retiring in 2011; and
WHEREAS, The naming of McKinney Manor, 18 buildings on 10 acres of
land, is a small demonstration of the impact that 24 years as a city
court judge has had on bestowing justice and care on others; and
WHEREAS, Leaving behind an impactful legacy, Judge Langston McKinney
developed the Syracuse Community Treatment Court to provide treatment to
defendant drug abusers facing nonviolent crimes as an alternative to
jail, advocated for more inclusive representation on city juries, and
spent countless hours working outside of the courtroom with youth and
neighborhood groups, schools, churches, and nonprofit boards; and
WHEREAS, Judge McKinney is known for saying that justice is not
contained to the courtroom, but is a community effort; it is an effort
that is both long-lasting in the heart of the city and in the heart of
its residents; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to reflect upon
those outstanding individuals who have made everlasting contributions on
behalf of their fellow citizens, and have truly left their mark on this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Judge Langston McKinney
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Judge Langston McKinney, Syracuse City Court judge,
U.S. veteran, advocate, and valued member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Judge Langston McKinney.
