In Memoriam

George L. Russell, Jr.

1929-2025

The Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice and Ethics, wishes to express its condolences to the family and friends at the passing of George L. Russell, Jr, a distinguished lawyer, judge, terrific community leader and a tireless champion of civil rights, whose outstanding career and service spanned over a half century.  He was a man of many firsts:  The first African American to sit on the Supreme Bench (now Circuit Court) of Baltimore, Maryland; the first African American to serve as Baltimore City Solicitor; and the first African American to serve as president of the Baltimore City Bar Association.  George Russell established the Harbor Bank in Baltimore and worked to open and get funding for the Reginald E. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. 

Kind, thoughtful, and blessed with a brilliant legal mind, George Russell was nationally and widely acclaimed and opened doors for many across the state.  He mentored hundreds of lawyers and other community leaders, and so many enjoyed the fruits of his work and extraordinary contributions.  As a newly elected State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland, George invited me to have lunch and chat.  Despite my trepidation to sit in the company of greatness, he welcomed me and made me feel so much at ease.  I was also privileged to work as a colleague on the federal bench with his son, George Russell III, who is presently Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Professor Larry Gibson eloquently captured this great legend with these words: George L. Russell, Jr, has been the tallest tree in the forest.” George L. Russell, Jr. was and remains a Giant in every sense of that word.  Undoubtedly, his legacy and influence have and will extend beyond his stellar career and life.  

Judge Alexander Williams, Jr.

United States District Judge (Retired) and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice and Ethics.