Wiley Manuel facts for kids

Wiley William Manuel (born August 28, 1927 – died January 5, 1981) was an important judge in California. He served as an associate justice on the Supreme Court of California from 1977 to 1981. He made history as the first African American person to be a judge on California's highest court.

Early Life and Education

Wiley Manuel was born in Oakland, California. He grew up in South Berkeley and went to public schools there. After finishing Berkeley High School in 1945, he went to college. He studied at the University of California, Berkeley.

After that, he attended Hastings College of Law. In 1953, he earned his law degree, called an LL.B.. He was a very good student and was even the main editor for the Hastings Law Journal.

A Career in Law

After law school, Manuel worked for 23 years in the California Attorney General's office. This office helps the state with legal matters. He moved up in his career, becoming the chief assistant attorney general in the San Francisco office.

In February 1976, Governor Jerry Brown chose Manuel to be a judge. He became a judge for the Alameda County Superior Court. This was an important step in his legal career.

Joining the Supreme Court

Just one year later, on February 12, 1977, Governor Brown gave Manuel an even higher position. He appointed him to the Supreme Court of California. This is the highest court in the state.

Manuel was officially approved on March 8, 1977. He was sworn in as a justice on March 24, 1977, and started his work on April 5, 1977. This was a historic moment because he was the first African American justice on the Supreme Court of California. In the same year, he gave a key speech at the first meeting of the California Association of Black Lawyers.

Wiley Manuel served on the Supreme Court for four years. Sadly, he passed away from stomach cancer in 1981.

Honors and Lasting Impact

Wiley Manuel is remembered for his important work and dedication. A non-profit scholarship foundation in Northern California is named in his honor. This foundation helps students with their education.

Manuel was known for helping people without charging them, which is called pro bono work. Because of his dedication, the State Bar of California gives out a "Wiley Manuel Pro Bono Award" each year. This award recognizes lawyers who do a lot of pro bono work.

Also, a courthouse in Alameda County was named after him. It is called the Wiley Manuel Courthouse.

Personal Life

In 1948, Wiley Manuel married Eleanor M. Williams. They had two children, Yvonne and Gary Manuel. He passed away on January 5, 1981. His wife, Eleanor, still lives in Oakland, California.