Tribute to Charles J. Ogletree, Jr.
Robert L. Carter∗
It is difªcult to be succinct when discussing Charles Ogletree on both
a personal and professional level. Charles is a brilliant lawyer, dedicating
his talents to issues of unfair treatment, discrimination and inequity. He is
a scholar—a modern version of Charles Hamilton Houston, that great
icon, now installed in the pantheon of inºuential and noble Americans.
Ogletree will surely take his place there, but one hopes that his installa-
tion will be delayed for years so that he can complete the many tasks in
which he is engaged. Then, he will be able to make equal opportunity a
reality for all Americans and help create a society where diversity ºourishes
to the enrichment of all.
It has been my good fortune to meet Charles Ogletree at the close of
my career, when one looks to the younger generation to continue the ªght
to ensure that America lives up to its promise of affording equality and
justice for all. I am conªdent that Ogletree is and will continue to be a
leader in that effort. His achievements to date are too lengthy to list here,
but he will undoubtedly further distinguish himself in the years to come.
At the vanguard of the current struggle for equality, much responsi-
bility now lies on his shoulders. I ªnd this a comforting fact. I have faith
in his talent and conªdence that it will ºourish in the future. Thank you,
Charles, for carrying on the torch for a more just and virtuous society.
∗ Judge, Southern District of New York.