It is obvious to even the most casual of observers that Chief Justice Raheem Mullins has benefited from a loving family, which has shaped his character, personality and perspective about life. These factors resulted in a competent, compassionate, and gracious leader of Connecticut’s judicial branch.
At a recent event of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association Annual Dinner, before a packed ballroom of judges, lawyers, law students and community residents at the Hartford Marriott Hotel, Mullins was presented the prestigious George W. Crawford Black Bar Association’s Trailblazer Award.
After eloquent introductory remarks by his mentor, Justice Lubbie Harper, Jr. Mullins spoke to an applauding audience and immediately displayed his appreciation for one of the values instilled in him as a little boy by his mom — the value of gratitude — to never let the sun go down without saying “thank you” to anyone who does or says something nice to you or about you.
Speaking to the audience and to Harper in particular, Mullins said to his mentor, “Words can’t express what you mean to me. It is an irrefutable fact that I would not be here tonight without you in my life — and if they didn’t know how close we are, now they know”
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Justice Harper, who has been a prominent lawyer, Superior Court Judge, appellate court judge, a justice on the Supreme Court, was, coincidentally, also the recipient of George W. Crawford Black Bar Association’s Trailblazer Award in 2015. During his introduction of Mullins, Harper acknowledged other Black jurists who came before him and noted how ironic it was that Mullins had literally followed his judicial path in Connecticut’s judicial system.
Talking more about Mullins, Harper emphasized, “I have had the privilege of watching and facilitating Raheem’s journey over the years. His trajectory has been steady and grounded, marked not by self-promotion, but by preparation, discipline, and a quiet commitment to doing the work the right way. He possesses an awareness that his decisions are not academic exercises but living judgments that shape the lives of everyone in this state.”
Harper noted that over the years, he has had many significant, meaningful, quiet, and thoughtful conversations with Mullins. “Those conversations revealed a great deal to me about Raheem. He was astute, and he listened more than he was talked.” He noted that “the chief was insightful, and I recognized that he cared very deeply about his impact on others.”
“Raheem is a living example for the next generation. His presence at the very top of our judiciary tells every young Black law student, every first-generation lawyer, every kid from neighborhoods like the ones we grew up in, that not only is there a seat for you in this profession, but there is also a path to the highest seat in the state.”
Harper said Raheem is not content to be the first or the youngest and certainly determined not to be the last. “He mentors young lawyers. He speaks with students. He makes time — often quietly, without any spotlight — to answer questions, to demystify the profession, to show others how our legal system works from the inside. Because of him, a rising generation no longer have to ask whether they belong on the highest court of this state—they can see it with their own eyes. That is the meaning of this Trailblazer Award.”
At the beginning of his remarks, Mullins acknowledged Harper’s introduction of him. He said Harper “killed it” with his introduction. Mullins’ humility shined even brighter with his most touching words for his mother. He said, “I’m so glad my Mom prayed for me!” I believe most everyone in the ballroom related to that comment.
Mullins continued his candid, very personal and moving remarks about his roots, his family and values that shaped him. Some observers had tears literally well up in their eyes. Mullins said he never knew his maternal grandmother, who was killed before he was born. He never met his paternal grandfather. No one in his family went to college, let alone law school.
Growing up, he had four very close cousins – so close that he considered them brothers. When he was 12, his cousin who was six years older than him, went to prison for 10 years. Then, when he was 18, another cousin who was two years older than him, also went to prison for 10 years. A short time later, a third cousin went to prison for 30 years. This was right around the same time Mullins was going away to college. Later, the fourth cousin, who was six years younger than Raheem, was killed in Meriden and his homicide remains unsolved.
“Oh, one more thing,” he said, “I had my first child when I was 17 and still in high school.” Think about that; your four cousins dead or incarcerated. How does one focus with such distractions?
Raheem reminded us that when you call someone a “trailblazer,” it’s important to understand the trail they walked.
His dad never went to college, but through his actions, he taught Mullins the significance and the value of hard work, consistency and discipline. His dad worked as an electrician for 45 years. His dad knew exactly what he had to do, especially when it came to raising a son who very likely could have ended up in prison — or dead.
Raheem’s praying mom remained emphatic that being a teenage father did not preclude him from going to college. Both parents made sure Raheem understood, lovingly but firmly, that his child was his responsibility, and that he was 100 percent accountable for raising her. Raheem appreciates the accountability his parents forced him to face, saying that it was among the most consequential changes of his life.
After high school, he matriculated at Clark University and subsequently Northeastern University School of Law. The rest is history, a wonderful, inspiring, uplifting story about a young inner-city youngster who faced and conquered adversity, difficult times, and many challenges to become Connecticut’s leading jurist.
During his journey to the top, faith caused him to cross paths with and meet his mentor, who embraced him and treated him like a son. Regarding his relationship with Harper, Mullins said “I am forever grateful for Justice Harper’s support and encouragement. He saw something in me that I didn’t quite see in myself. But I’m glad he did, and even more grateful that he acted on it.”
“Before my first day on the bench, when I was playing it cool on the outside, but was a nervous wreck on the inside. Justice Harper gave me a card that said 3 things: (1) Always be on time; (2) treat everyone with respect and dignity; and (3) always be prepared. I read that card every day before taking the bench for 10 years. As a follow up to Harper’s sage advice Mullins said,
“Let’s empower young people with hope and enthusiasm, and when we are ready to pass the torch, they will be ready to accept it and run with it. At that point, this torchbearer will have done his job, just as the previous elder trailblazers did for me.”
In concluding his remarks, Mullins saved the best for last: He said, “Before I sit down, I have to say one more thing. Much of my drive and determination is fostered by my beautiful wife. Thank you, Nichelle, for all that you have done for me, putting up with me and being my rock. I couldn’t do all the things I do without you. Gentleman, don’t give an important speech in a room full of people without appreciating your wife. That’s a free tip. And that is not just speaking engagement advice; it’s also good medical advice.”
Dwight Bachman lives in Willimantic, Connecticut. He is retired public relations officer, Eastern Connecticut State University.