Alicia King: Senior court assistant, diversity leader and positive thinker
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Alicia King has spent most of her life working in the court system, where she has been able to take on leadership roles, such as organizing courthouse Black History Month events. Eagle photo by Rachel Vick.
By Rachel Vick
Senior Court Assistant Alicia King wants you to have a great day.
King debunks any stereotypes about cranky New Yorkers, her smiles and warm greetings part of an ethos that’s helped her maintain a positive outlook
“I try to always greet people with a smile,” said King, who has worked in the court system for 27 years. “I think it's important to share ourselves with others because you don't know what somebody's story is. You don’t know where you can help them, that hello or moment to listen, what that’s going to do for their day.”
Before starting her job at Queens Supreme Court, King worked in multiple departments at courts across the city, engaging with the public in various roles and settings.
She currently works as an Inmate Correspondent Unit representative, answering questions that incarcerated individuals have about things like their case proceedings and paperwork. The work can be “daunting,” she said, because connecting and communicating with people behind bars can be a challenge the situation means communication is stunted.
“It would help, I think, if we could set up a way for them to contact a particular unit that can see it from beginning to end, making sure they get what they need,” King said.
Though King’s work answering questions and figuring out complicated issues is taxing, she manages to take on new responsibilities — such as unofficial event planner.
In addition to organizing holiday parties she stepped up two years ago to ensure the continued success of the Queens Supreme Black History Month program. King re-formed the Black History Month Committee and is affectionately dubbed “madam chairlady” by the members. King and other committee members are looking to expand programing across other Queens courts.
“I knew how important it was for us to be represented. We’re here, we work throughout the whole court system [and the world].” King said. “It's important because a lot of people don’t know black history, they don’t understand the struggle, where we come from or why we feel the way we feel. I would love it if more people would get involved.”
King’s work with people has enabled her to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage and connect with people.
“Sometimes, because we’re dealing with people all the time, we think we know the answer automatically so we don’t really take the time to listen,” King said.“I've learned how to step outside of myself. It's not always all about me and how I feel. Sometimes it's listening to what other people need and what we can help them with.”
A positive and supportive work environment makes coming to work every day easy, she said.
“The most rewarding part of my job is honestly my coworkers,” said King. “I enjoy coming to work because we all respect each other, we all care about each other and help each other out — whether it's personal or work related and it makes it easy to come to work. The togetherness and the warmth and laughter makes the job easy - when you can come to a place you love.”
She’s not sure what the future holds, but King continues to look for ways to take on leadership roles and act on her dedication to helping others.
“I didn't know that I could do it until I did,” King said. “Sometimes I think you’re where you're supposed to be in the times you’re supposed to be there. I was supposed to be here to do this and I'm so grateful.”
