Roger L. Gregory

2003 Honoree

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.

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."