Tillman, Harrel

1925-1998 · Contribution: 1962-1964

First African American municipal court judge in Texas (1964); actor and pastor

Law & Civil Rights — collage image
Law & Civil Rights

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Impact on the world

Became the first Black judge in the state of Texas, taking the bench as a municipal court judge in 1964, while also pursuing parallel careers as an actor and pastor.

Life & background

Admitted to the bar in 1962, Tillman became the first Black judge in Texas history when he was appointed a municipal court judge in 1964, while also working as an actor and pastor throughout his career.

Sources

  1. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; IMDb