Named one of the "75 Top Black College Students
in America" by Black Enterprise magazine in 1975, 26 years
later, the Honorable Roger L. Gregory became the first African American
appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
The Fourth Circuit encompasses the states of Maryland, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. It has the highest percentage
of African-American residents of any Circuit in the nation.
Judge Gregory grew up in Petersburg, Virginia. His parents,
the late George and Fannie Gregory, worked at the local tobacco factory
and instilled in him at an early age that, with God and hard work, he
could achieve all things.
In 1975, Judge Gregory graduated with honors from Virginia
State University with a bachelor of arts degree and earned a law degree
from the University of Michigan. After stints at law firms in Michigan
and Virginia, he formed the law firm of Wilder & Gregory with L. Douglas
Wilder.
After Wilder was elected governor of Virginia, Gregory became
managing partner of Wilder & Gregory. He served as managing partner and
head of the litigation section of the firm until his appointment to the Court.
"Despite circumstances,
maintain the character
and courage to meet any challenge"
Along with a passion for justice, Judge Gregory is equally
dedicated to community service. He has served on the Board of Directors of the
Richmond Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Virginia State University, Christian
Children's Fund and Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Among his varied awards and recognitions, Judge Gregory has
been named one of "Virginia's Top 25 Best and Brightest" by Commonwealth
magazine and one of the "56 Most Intriguing Blacks of 2001" by Ebony
magazine. In addition, he was honored with the Humanitarian Award from the National
Conference of Christians and Jews and the Gertrude E. Rush Award, one of the
National Bar Association's highest recognitions.
The drum major for justice passes the baton to America's
future: "In spite of the burdens of circumstance, maintain the character
and courage to meet any challenge. Do not be afraid to pursue your dreams. Fear
may trouble your mind for a moment, but faith will sustain your heart for a
lifetime."
