George William Howard Jr (1924 - 2007)

Born 13 May 1924 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas, United States

Husband of Vivian (Smith) Howard — married 8 Feb 1947 in Lincoln, Arkansas, United States

Died 21 Apr 2007 at age 82 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

George Howard Jr is Notable.

George William Howard Jr. is a notable figure in American history due to his pioneering contributions to the civil rights movement, his groundbreaking achievements in law, and his historic appointments as the first African American to serve on the Arkansas Court of Appeals, the Arkansas Supreme Court, and as a judge in an Arkansas federal court. His tireless efforts to combat discrimination, desegregate schools and public spaces, and address systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system mark him as a champion for social justice. His dedication to fairness and his role in presiding over high-profile cases, including the Whitewater trials involving President Bill Clinton, underscore his significant impact as a jurist. His legacy and recognition in the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and Lincoln University Hall of Fame further highlight his enduring importance in American legal and civil rights history.^[1][2]

George William Howard Jr. was born on May 13, 1924, in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, to his parents, George William Howard Sr. and Sarah (Jones) Howard.^[3] Growing up, George lived in Vaugine Township, Jefferson County, Arkansas, in 1940.^[4] His early life took an unusual turn when he left high school prematurely to enlist in the United States Navy during World War II, a decision that would shape his future.

After enlisting in the Navy on May 5, 1943, George served with honor and dedication until his discharge on February 6, 1946.^[5] Upon returning to civilian life, he married Vivian Smith on February 8, 1947, in Lincoln County, Arkansas, beginning a new chapter in his personal life.^[6][7]

In 1948, George Howard embarked on his educational journey, enrolling in Lincoln University in St. Louis, Missouri. However, he later transferred to the University of Arkansas (UA) in Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas, in 1950. George's academic pursuit culminated in 1954, when he graduated with both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Notably, he was one of the first African Americans to graduate from the University of Arkansas Law School, and he also became the first African American to live in university housing. Furthermore, George Howard achieved the distinction of becoming the university's first elected black officer holder when he was elected president of the dormitory.^[1][2][8]

After completing his legal education, George returned to his hometown of Pine Bluff and established a private law practice. His involvement in civil rights issues soon became prominent, with one unsuccessful bid for the city council, which he eventually set aside to focus on leadership in the civil rights movement. He initiated a series of discrimination suits and actively worked to desegregate school systems in various Arkansas districts, including Fort Smith, Sebastian County, El Dorado, Union County, West Memphis, Crittenden County, and others. He was also at the forefront of efforts to desegregate theaters and other public places, all while addressing issues related to jury composition and the death penalty in the criminal justice system.^[1][2][8]

On the organizational front, George served as the president of the State Council of Branches for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), further cementing his position as a civil rights leader. His career then took a judicial turn with a series of notable appointments. In 1969, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller appointed him to the Arkansas State Claims Commission. In 1977, Governor David Pryor appointed him to the Arkansas Supreme Court, a position he held until 1979 when Governor Bill Clinton named him to the newly created Arkansas Court of Appeals. The following year, President Jimmy Carter appointed him a federal district court judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, a role he served until his passing in 2007. These appointments were historic, as they made George Howard Jr. the first African American to serve on the Arkansas Court of Appeals, on the Arkansas Supreme Court, and as a judge in an Arkansas federal court.^[1][2][8]

George Howard's legacy as a jurist was characterized by his meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment to fairness. He gained national recognition when he presided over the Whitewater trials, involving former governor Jim Guy Tucker, Jim McDougal, and Susan McDougal, who were once business partners of President Bill Clinton. In one significant instance, he directed President Bill Clinton to give a deposition for the trial.^[1][2][8]

Tragically, George Howard Jr. passed away on April 21, 2007, in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas^[9], while still performing his responsibilities as a district court judge. He was laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, where he rests in honor.^[10] Following his demise, the U.S. Congress enacted legislation naming the federal building and courthouse in Pine Bluff as the George Howard Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. His portrait is displayed in federal courthouses in Pine Bluff and Little Rock, and a scholarship fund in his honor is maintained.^[1][2]

George's contributions and legacy were further recognized when he was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1994 and posthumously inducted into the Lincoln University Hall of Fame in 2008. His life and work are testament to his dedication to justice, civil rights, and equal opportunity for all.^[1][2]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6} Pruden III, William H., Ravenscroft School, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "George Howard Jr. (1924–2007)." Accessed 28 Oct 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6} Wikipedia contributors, "George Howard Jr.," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_Howard_Jr.&oldid=1180731998 (accessed October 28, 2023).
3. ↑ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007: Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 #40032761
4. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Jeans Addition, Jefferson, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00146; Page: 61A; Enumeration District: 35-63 Ancestry Record 2442 #101707100
5. ↑ U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010: Ancestry.com. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS) Death File. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ancestry Record 2441 #11265875
6. ↑ Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957: Ancestry.com. Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2011. "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957," database, FamilySearch; from Arkansas Courts of Common Pleas and County Clerks. Digital images of originals housed at various county courthouses in the State of Arkansas. Marriage records. Ancestry Record 2548 #1296873
7. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1947; Film: #7 Ancestry Record 61775 #967557
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3} Newspaper Clipping, The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 23 Apr 2007, Mon. - Page 14. "George Howard Jr Whitewater trial judge." Accessed 28 Oct 2023.
9. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #79797877
10. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19088463/george-howard: accessed 28 October 2023), memorial page for Judge George Howard Jr. (13 May 1924–21 Apr 2007), Find A Grave: Memorial #19088463, citing Graceland Cemetery, Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by gailb (contributor 47087062).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q5540775