In
1999, newspaper headlines across the state of North Carolina screamed, "Gov.
Hunt Appoints Henry Frye N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice." The pride swelled
among many North Carolinians when they realized the significance of the historical
appointment: Henry E. Frye is the first African American to serve as chief justice
in the state’s history.
Born in Ellerbe, Richmond
County (North Carolina) to Walter and Pearl Frye, Justice Frye has worked for
fairness throughout his life. In 1968, he became the first African American
elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives this century. He served
in the North Carolina State House until 1980 when he was elected to the N.C.
Senate, serving until 1982.
"Develop good
habits - they will serve you well throughout life."
In 1983, Justice Frye
was appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court. This appointment accomplished
another first, making him the first African American to serve on the North Carolina
Supreme Court. He successfully ran for eight-year terms on the Supreme Court
in 1984 and 1992.
Justice Frye’s powerful and articulate
leadership has extended to the military and banking industry. In the 1950s,
Justice Frye served two years in the U.S. Air Force and continued active duty
in the Air Force Reserves, where he reached the rank of Captain. Also, he founded
Greensboro National Bank (now Mutual Community Savings Bank) and served as its
president from 1971 until 1981.
The pioneer received a bachelor’s
degree from North Carolina A & T State University and a law degree from
the University of North Carolina (UNC)-Chapel Hill School of Law, where he graduated
with honors.
Justice Frye’s numerous awards and
honors affirm his leadership. He has been honored with the Charles D. McIver
Medal from UNC-Greensboro for outstanding achievement in education, the first
North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Excellence Award and the UNC-Chapel
Hill Distinguished Alumnus Award.
As a member of the National Black
Child Development Institute, National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Frye’s community
involvement is another testament to his commitment to North Carolinians.
Justice Frye imparts words of wisdom
upon today’s youth: "Develop good habits - they will serve you well throughout
life."
