Late Atlantic City Chief Judge Bruce Weekes Honored: Mayor Absent

The Honorable Bruce F. Weekes was a trailblazer in every sense of the word.

Weekes was the first African-American Municipal Judge in New Jersey history in 1985. He served as a Judge until 2012.

It’s hard to believe that this color barrier milestone took until 1985 to be broken.

This past Monday, June 6, Atlantic City Municipal Courtroom # 2 officially was named after Bruce F. Weekes.

It’s well earned and deserved.

We interviewed Judge Weekes’ son, Atlantic City Councilman Bruce E. Weekes, who shared some other amazing facts about his late father, who passed away in 2016.

Judge Weekes was also:

• The first African-American assistant city solicitor in Atlantic City.
• The first African-American Municipal public defender in New Jersey history.

Former Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford attended the naming ceremony and talked fondly and respectfully about Judge Weekes.

Judge Henry Warner also attended the ceremony and had a positive speaking role.

Anthony Swan attended on behalf of the Atlantic City administration and was received well by The Weekes Family.

An absent Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small did not go unnoticed by those in attendance.

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We interviewed Councilman Weekes about this and more. He told us:

“It was no surprise to the family that Mayor Small was not in attendance,” said Weekes.

”In fact, it worked out because in his place the administration was represented by business administrator, Anthony Swan. The B.A. is a class act and someone who I have much respect for,” said Weekes.

“Additionally, the family was very appreciative to have Lorenzo Langford, amongst other notable dignitaries, as speakers,” said Weekes.

“Mayor Langford is a true pillar in our community, and I would like to thank his lovely wife, Nynell Langford, for helping to facilitate his involvement with the ceremony,” said Weekes.

About Bruce F. Weekes:

• Bruce F. Weekes was in born in Atlantic City, New Jersey to George N. Weekes and Mildred Fountain Weekes.
• Graduate of Atlantic City High School in 1964.
• A graduate of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1968.
• After graduation, Weekes was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves.
• Weekes is a graduate of Howard University School of Law in 1971.
• Weekes began practicing law in New Jersey in 1971.
• In 1985. Weekes became the first African-American to be appointed as Chief Judge of Atlantic City Municipal Court. He served in this role until retiring in 2012.

Our thanks and appreciation to Councilman Weekes for collaborating with us on this report.

This story represents an incredible life very well lived.