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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E567-E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JUDGE CHARLES LLOYD ELLOIE
______
HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND
of louisiana
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of
Judge Charles Lloyd Elloie, a retired Orleans Parish Criminal Court
judge, who passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the age of 82.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 6, 1938 to Joseph and
Elizabeth Fredricks Elloie, Judge Elloie was one of five children and
was raised in the Lafitte Public Housing Development. A Pullman porter,
his father worked on the Sunset Limited railroad while his mother was a
domestic worker.
A student of public school throughout grade school, Judge Elloie
attended Dillard University and graduated with a BA degree in
Education. He was the first of five in his family to graduate from
college. Following his graduation from 1960 to 1966, he served as a
biology and math teacher in the Orleans Parish School System.
After his tenure teaching, Judge Elloie became an agent for the
Prudential Insurance Company where he became the first African American
hired in his region. In this role, he was successful in assisting
individuals and expanding this critical service to many who did not
have access prior. However, despite his success, he still yearned to
address some of the unsettling societal inequalities he had seen and
experienced throughout his life.
Naturally, Judge Elloie's desire to make an impact in his community
led him to get involved in New Orleans politics. In 1968, he pursued a
seat on the local school board, but ultimately fell short. However, he
stayed determined and refused to allow this loss to deter him.
In 1969, Judge Elloie founded the Community Organization for Urban
Politics (COUP) in partnership with his close friend, Attorney Robert
Collins. Almost immediately, COUP became extremely influential in New
Orleans and particularly powerful in the 6th and 7th wards.
That same year, he ran unsuccessfully for the House of
Representatives, but just a few years later he served as Assistant to
the Mayor and Director of Youth Opportunities. In those roles, he
successfully promoted political engagement, provided recreational and
workforce opportunities for young people, and held politicians
accountable to ensure they addressed obstacles faced by people of color
both economically and socially.
Prior to the election of former Louisiana Governor Edwin W. Edwards,
Judge Elloie worked on his campaign and served as Assistant to the
Governor from 1972 to 1975. Upon his departure, he ran for State
Representative to represent an uptown district, but unfortunately did
not garner enough votes needed to win.
Soon after, Judge Elloie decided to enroll in Southern University Law
Center to pursue a career in law. During his tenure as a student, he
served as Student Bar Association President. Upon graduating in 1979,
Judge Elloie was prepared to become a legal servant of the people.
Beginning in 1980, for sixteen years Judge Elloie had a successful
criminal law practice. His legal knowledge, his ability to connect with
people, and his passionate pursuit of justice and equity for his
clients all played key roles in his career as an effective criminal
lawyer.
In 1995, Judge Elloie ran a successful campaign for the Orleans
Parish Criminal District Court judge. In 2002, he was re-elected
without opposition for a second term. In 2007,
[[Page E568]]
Judge Elloie retired following a tenure of service that brought justice
and provided numerous opportunities for second chances, all while
making his courtroom accessible to the community.
Judge Elloie lived an extraordinary life, founded on bringing justice
for all, that cannot be overstated. He was dedicated to elevating his
community, maximizing his potential, and being an agent for social
change. Judge Elloie was a trailblazer and his life, legacy, and spirit
will remain a guiding force to the city of New Orleans. I am grateful
for his service. I send my sincere prayers, condolences, and strength
to the Elloie family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in
peace.
Judge Charles Lloyd Elloie is survived by his wife of more than 30
years, Dr. Pearlie Hardin Elloie, two sons, Charles L. Elloie, Jr. and
Joseph C. Elloie, one brother, Wilbur Ronald Elloie, nine
grandchildren, one great grandchild, numerous nephews, nieces, family
members, friends, and colleagues. Judge Elloie was a member of the St.
Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, serving as Lector. He was also a
life-time member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Judge Charles Lloyd
Elloie.
____________________
