| (Washington, D.C.) Legislation authored by U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) to officially rename the Pine Bluff Federal Building and Courthouse after the late U.S. District Court Judge George Howard, Jr., passed the U.S. House of Representatives Monday.
“It is a profound privilege to honor Judge Howard’s life and career with this designation so that his distinguished service as a lawyer, civil-rights leader and advocate for public good can become a part of our nation’s history,” Ross said. “I can think of no better way to recognize his legacy and his steadfast commitment to justice and equality than by officially renaming this federal building and courthouse in the city he loved and called home.”
The Federal Building and Courthouse to be named after Howard is located at 100 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff.
“It is my hope that each person who walks through the doors of the George Howard, Jr., Federal Building and Courthouse will have an appreciation for the countless contributions Judge Howard made in the lives of people across the state of Arkansas,” Ross said. “This recognition will serve as a reminder to young people in Pine Bluff and to future generations, that committing oneself to education, hard work and pursuing a career in public service can be noble.”
As Arkansas's 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. Howard was the first black member of the state Supreme Court, appointed by former Governor David Pryor in 1977, before being appointed to the Court of Appeals by then-Governor Bill Clinton in 1979. Prior to his public career in law, 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.
Upon passage of a similar bill in the Senate sponsored by U.S. Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) and original cosponsor Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), the measure will then be sent to the President to be signed into law. U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02) and John Boozman (AR-03) were original cosponsors of Ross’ bill.
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