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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
JUDGE PERRY LITTLE--BLACK HISTORY MONTH
______
HON. KATHY CASTOR
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a jurist
who has served our Tampa neighbors for decades--and continues his
dedication to this day. Through his work spanning more than 40 years
and as the second African American appointed to the bench in
Hillsborough County, which is the longest tenure for an African
American judge in the county's history, Judge Perry A. Little has
helped shape our community forever. Judge Little is husband to Sonjia
Latson Little and father of three: Matthew (Nandie), Marissa and Josie.
He is also the proud grandfather of four girls, Reigan, Ivy, Gabrielle
and Eden, and a member of Beulah Baptist Church.
Judge Little was born and educated in Georgia. He received his
undergraduate degree from Morehouse College and his law degree from
Emory University. After completing law school, he took a position at a
legal clinic where he could have a larger community impact over a
federal position he was offered in Washington, D.C.
At a time when windows and doors were just beginning to open for
African Americans in the legal profession, Judge Little was appointed
to the bench in Hillsborough County in 1977 by Governor Rubin Askew,
where he presided for more than 12 years. He was the second African
American in the county's history to be appointed, standing on the
shoulders of Judge George Edgecomb, who only served three years as a
county judge due to illness, but set the highest of standards for his
colleagues to follow. The 1970s were a transformative time for
communities as desegregation orders blanketed the nation while raising
the profile of diversity at all levels of government. With the vital
role our courts play in our democracy, economy and daily lives, a more
diverse judiciary brings greater confidence in our justice system and
is an important step toward a more just and equal America. In 1993,
Governor Lawton Chiles appointed Judge Little to the Circuit Court
where he served in the Juvenile and Circuit Civil Divisions until his
retirement in 2007.
Much of Judge Little's Circuit experience was dedicated to positively
impacting the lives of juveniles and young adults through his legal
decisions, who he continues to serve as an inspiration. Judge Little
retired to care for his aging father in Georgia but continues to lend
his judicial expertise as a Senior Judge for the Thirteenth Judicial
Circuit, and assists other judges to ensure each case is given the time
and care it deserves. He has been recognized for his extensive
commitment to service through various awards, including the 2018
Distinguished Leadership Award from the Black Law Students Association
at WMU-Cooley Law School's Tampa Bay campus.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, it gives me
immense pride to honor a great public servant this Black History Month.
Judge Little is a man faithful to his family and community, and is
unparalleled in service to his neighbors.
____________________