Richard Erwin facts for kids

Richard Cannon Erwin (born August 23, 1923 – died November 7, 2006) was an important American judge and politician. He served as a federal judge in North Carolina. Richard Erwin was also the first African American person to be elected to a statewide public office in North Carolina.

Early Life and Education

Richard Erwin was born in Marion, North Carolina. He grew up there and later served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a soldier from 1943 to 1946 and reached the rank of Sergeant.

After his military service, Erwin went to college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Johnson C. Smith University in 1947. A Bachelor of Arts degree is a common type of four-year college degree. He then went on to study law. In 1951, he received a Bachelor of Laws degree from Howard University School of Law. This degree allowed him to become a lawyer.

Starting His Career

After finishing law school, Richard Erwin began working as a lawyer. He had his own law practice in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He worked there from 1951 until 1977.

Public Service and Politics

Richard Erwin was very involved in his community and state. He believed in helping others and making things better.

Serving on School Boards

From 1961 to 1968, Erwin served on the local school board in Winston-Salem. A school board helps make important decisions about schools in a city or county. Later, from 1971 to 1977, he was part of the North Carolina State Board of Education. This board helps guide education for the entire state.

Becoming a State Senator

Richard Erwin also became a politician. He was elected to the North Carolina Senate for two terms. The North Carolina Senate is part of the state's government that makes laws. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

In 1977, the Governor of North Carolina, Jim Hunt, appointed him to be a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts. In 1978, the people of North Carolina voted for him to continue as an Appeals Court judge. This was a very important moment. It made him the first African American person to be elected to a statewide office in North Carolina by the voters.

Federal Judicial Service

Richard Erwin's career reached an even higher level when he became a federal judge. Federal judges work for the United States government.

Appointed by President Carter

On June 11, 1980, President Jimmy Carter nominated Richard Erwin to be a judge. He was chosen for a new judge position on the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. The United States Senate approved his nomination on September 29, 1980. He officially became a judge on September 30, 1980. This made him the first black federal judge in North Carolina's history.

Chief Judge and Senior Status

From 1988 to 1992, Judge Erwin served as the Chief Judge of the court. The Chief Judge is the main leader of a court. They manage the court's work and other judges.

On September 22, 1992, he took on what is called senior status. This means he continued to work as a judge but handled fewer cases. It is like a semi-retired role for judges. He continued to serve in this role until he passed away on November 7, 2006, in Winston-Salem.

Richard Erwin's life showed great dedication to public service and justice. He broke barriers and opened doors for many others.