Horace Ward facts for kids

Horace Taliaferro Ward (July 29, 1927 – April 23, 2016) was an important lawyer, lawmaker, and judge from Georgia. He is remembered for bravely challenging unfair rules that kept Black students out of the University of Georgia School of Law. He also made history as the very first African American to become a U.S. district judge in Georgia.

Early Life and Education

Horace Ward was born in LaGrange, Georgia. He was a very dedicated student. He earned his first college degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Morehouse College in 1949.

He continued his studies and received a Master of Arts degree from Atlanta University in 1950. Later, he earned his law degree, a Juris Doctor, from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in 1959.

A Career of Service

Before becoming a lawyer, Ward taught at colleges like Arkansas AM&N College and Alabama State College. He also served in the United States Army for two years.

After law school, Ward started his own law practice in Atlanta, Georgia. He also worked for the city of Atlanta and for Fulton County.

Becoming a Lawmaker

From 1965 to 1974, Horace Ward served as a member of the Georgia State Senate. This meant he helped make laws for the state of Georgia.

Serving as a Judge

Ward then became a judge in Georgia's state courts. He served on the Civil Court of Fulton County and later on the Superior Court of Georgia.

Making History as a Federal Judge

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter nominated Horace Ward to become a U.S. district judge for the Northern District of Georgia. The United States Senate approved his nomination, and he officially became a judge on December 6, 1979.

This was a very important moment because Horace Ward was the first African American to hold this position in Georgia. He served as a federal judge until his death in 2016. From 1993, he served as a senior judge, meaning he took on a reduced caseload.

Personal Life

Horace Ward was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He passed away on April 23, 2016, in Atlanta.

See also

• List of African-American jurists
• List of first minority male lawyers and judges in Georgia