| (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln have introduced legislation in the House of Representatives and Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln introduced identical legislation in the Senate to designate the Pine Bluff federal building and courthouse after the late U.S. District Court Judge George Howard, Jr. Reps. Berry (AR-01), Snyder (AR-02) and Boozman (AR-03) are cosponsors of Ross’ bill in the House.
Members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation said the designation is a small token of appreciation for the work of Judge Howard who served Arkansans as a remarkable lawyer and civil-rights leader. The federal building and courthouse to be named after Howard is located at 100 East 8th Avenue.
“Throughout his life and career, Judge George Howard believed deeply in the fundamental idea of justice for all,” Ross said. “Judge Howard’s distinguished service on the Arkansas State Claims Commission, the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Arkansas Court of Appeals and as a U.S. Federal Judge paved the way for African Americans in Arkansas to pursue careers in public service and the judiciary. He was admired for his fairness and will be forever remembered as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about his family, his work, his state and his country.”
"Judge Howard's hard work, dedication to his country and profession, and historic contribution to the State of Arkansas should be celebrated and remembered. For this reason, I am proud to raise awareness in the Senate about his life and legacy, and honored to shepherd this legislation through Congress." said Pryor.
"Judge Howard was a true pioneer becoming the first African American in Arkansas to hold a number of state judicial positions and to be appointed as a federal judge," said Lincoln. "His many contributions to civil rights and the legal community have made a lasting impact on our state and our nation. I am proud to support legislation that will honor Judge Howard’s legacy."
As Arkansas' first black federal judge, Howard was named by President Carter to a lifetime appointment as U.S. District Court Judge for Arkansas's Eastern and Western districts in 1980. Prior to this office, Howard worked as an attorney in private practice and served as President of the State Council of Branches of the National Association of Colored People (NAACP). Howard graduated from law school at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1954. He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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