Sheila Abdus-Salaam becomes the first African-American Woman named to New York State’s highest Court

Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam

Justice Sheila Abdus-Salaam was confirmed on Monday by the State Senate in Albany, becoming the first African-American woman on the seven-member Court of Appeals, New York State’s Highest Court.

The New York Senate confirmed Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s nominee to the state’s highest court.

The Senate approved Justice Abdus-Salaam to the seven-member Court of Appeals after several legislators praised her experience and qualifications. The New York Court of Appeals reviews lower court decisions, interprets statutes and often makes case law for the state of New York.