Charles A Pratt’s legacy: How Kalamazoo County will honor its first African American judge
Learn about Hon. Charles A. Pratt, Kalamazoo County’s first African American judge, and the upcoming ceremony to honor his trailblazing work.
Kalamazoo County is set to honor Hon. Charles A. Pratt, the county’s first African American judge, with a building dedication ceremony. The event will recognize Judge Pratt’s contributions to the legal community and his role in advancing diversity within the judicial system. The ceremony will take place at the Kalamazoo County Courthouse on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
About Charles A. Pratt
Charles A. Pratt (1909-1989) was a trailblazing African American judge who became the first Black judge in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, elected to the 8th District Court in 1968.
Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Pratt graduated from Howard University with both a Bachelor’s degree and a law degree, overcoming racial barriers to establish his own law practice in 1935. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps and the 366th Infantry Regiment, fighting in North Africa and Italy.
After his retirement from the bench in 1980, Pratt’s legacy continued through his extensive community service, culminating in the establishment of the Charles A. Pratt Bar Association and the naming of the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center in Kalamazoo in his honor.
About the ceremony
The dedication ceremony, which will take place on September 27 from 10 a.m. to noon, aims to celebrate Pratt’s achievements and legacy. County officials stated that the event would include speeches from prominent community leaders and legal professionals. Additionally, there will be a formal unveiling of a plaque in Judge Pratt’s honor.
The ceremony is open to the public and is expected to draw significant attendance from the community. After the scheduled events, attendees are welcome to take self-guided tours of the courthouse.
To learn more about the event, click here.
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