Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, issued the following statement on the passing of attorney Charles Ogletree.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of a true civil and human rights trailblazer, Charles Ogletree, an exceptional American attorney at law and esteemed advocate for civil rights.
Charles Ogletree’s contributions to the legal profession and his relentless pursuit of social justice have left an indelible mark on our society. As a prominent member of the legal community, he fearlessly advocated for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, championing causes that have significantly shaped our nation’s understanding of justice and equality even when those causes were unpopular.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ogletree made significant strides in advancing civil rights and empowering communities of color. He played a pivotal role in landmark legal cases and inspired countless young minds to pursue careers in law, serving as a mentor to innumerable numbers of lawyers and law students, giving rise to a new generation of advocates for justice.
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation recognized Mr. Ogletree’s immense contributions and unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusivity with the CBCF Chair’s Award in 2006. His life’s work exemplifies the values we hold dear at the CBCF, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of change-makers to push the boundaries of justice even further.
We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Ogletree’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life, achievements, and the lasting impact he made on our nation and the world.”