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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E204-E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JUDGE RUSSELL B. SUGARMON, JR.
______
HON. STEVE COHEN
of tennessee
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 25, 2019
Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of
Russell B. Sugarmon--a great American jurist, Civil Rights leader,
political pioneer and elder statesman from my hometown of Memphis,
Tennessee. Judge Sugarmon died Monday after a long illness at the age
of 89 but will be remembered forever as a crusading legal scholar who
worked to end segregation in the Memphis public schools and for being a
political genius who helped behind the scenes to elect the African
American and progressive candidates who reshaped Memphis. In 1959,
Sugarmon was one of the first African Americans to run for citywide
office when he sought to be commissioner for public works. In 1966, he
was elected to become Tennessee's second African American state
representative since Reconstruction and was later elected a General
Sessions Court judge after serving as a partner in Memphis' and
Tennessee's first integrated law firm--Ratner, Sugarmon, Lucas and
Willis. Other legendary attorneys such as Bill Caldwell, Irvin Salky,
Troy Henderson, Walter Bailey, Jr., Russell X. Thompson and Tom Arnold
hung their hats and licenses there. From 1976 to 1987, Judge Sugarmon
was a referee in the Memphis Juvenile Court system, stepping down in
May 1987 when he was appointed a General Sessions Court Judge. He was
elected to the bench in 1988 and was reelected in 1990 and 1998.
Russell Bertram Sugarmon, Jr. graduated from the city's Booker T.
Washington High School in 1946 at the age of 15. Sugarmon spent a year
at Morehouse College--in the class a year behind Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.--and transferred to Rutgers University, where he received his
undergraduate degree in Political Science in 1950. He received his J.D.
from Harvard University in 1953 and spent the following two years in
the U.S. Army based mainly in Japan. After returning to the United
States, he did further graduate studies at Boston University, then came
back to Memphis in 1956 to establish a private legal practice. Judge
Sugarmon worked tirelessly even when victory wasn't in the cards and
kept the faith, knowing that it would come in time. He was one of the
most learned strategists on politics and history in our community,
avoiding the limelight but holding sway as the influential wise man
behind the scenes in collaboration with a biracial and tolerant group
of progressive leaders. Judge Sugarmon was a mentor, supporter and
friend of mine my entire life and I am eternally grateful to have been
so fortunate to have shared time with this remarkably knowledgeable,
judicious and beloved man. Last year, Congress
[[Page E205]]
passed and the President signed into law my bill designating the post
office at 1325 Autumn Avenue as the Russell B. Sugarmon Post Office. I
had hoped Judge Sugarmon would be on hand for its dedication later this
year but its existence will stand as a lasting physical monument to his
stature in our city, in our state and in our nation. No one is more
deserving. Supporting Russell Sugarmon's great work and providing
encouragement and strength was the Sugarmon family. Russell was a
beloved husband and father of six children, sadly preceded in death by
his dear daughter Tina Spence. I extend my sincere condolences to his
devoted wife and companion, Gina; his children Judge Tarik Sugarmon,
Elena Williams, Erika Sugarmon, Monique Sugarmon and Carol Spence; his
extended family and his many friends.
____________________
