Donald Trump’s appeal of his recent guilty verdict will be heard by New York’s historic all-Black women appellate bench, sparking significant interest on social media.
On Thursday, May 30, Trump made history as the first former President to be convicted of felony crimes.
A New York jury found him guilty on all 34 charges related to falsifying records to cover up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
Following the verdict, Trump announced his intention to appeal, citing several grounds for the challenge, according to the New York Times.
This news set Black Twitter abuzz when a photo of the all-Black appellate bench, assembled by Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick for Black History Month in February, resurfaced.
The all-African-American bench that presided over cases on February 14 includes Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick, Justice Troy K. Webber, Justice Tanya R. Kennedy, Justice Bahaati Pitt-Burke, and Justice Marsha D. Michael.
This historic bench will now oversee the oral arguments for Trump’s appeal.
The reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly jubilant. Users celebrated the prospect of Trump’s appeal being heard by such a groundbreaking panel.
“Black Jesus and the Exonerated 5 are very happy indeed!!” one user exclaimed. Another added, “Look at Gawd.”
Despite the excitement, it’s worth noting that the all-Black women appellate bench was a one-time assembly for Black History Month.
The current Appellate Division, First Department, includes a diverse group of men and women, with only one Black member.
However, the symbolism of an all-Black women’s appellate bench hearing Trump’s appeal is a significant moment for many observers and critics of the former President.
