Judge John H. Ruffin Jr., papers

Collection — Box: 1-35, OS 1-4

Identifier: 0000-0000-0000-0181

Staff Only

Scope and contents

This collection documents the work of the Honorable John H. Ruffin, Jr. as a civil rights attorney, judge, speaker, lecturer, and civic leader. The Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., papers span the years between 1952-2016, providing a limited record of his forty-plus years of service to the law. While the bulk of the collection dates from 1961 to 1993, the Professional Papers series includes materials related to his case files, legal documents, office files, and subject files. Judge Ruffin was actively involved in numerous civil rights cases, notably the Acree vs. County Board of Education of Richmond County, Georgia, a lawsuit he filed to desegregate the schools in the county. Additionally, materials related to Judge Ruffin’s judgeships and printed and published materials are also included in this series.

Case Files is the largest sub-series, consisting of appeals, briefs, correspondence, depositions, subpoenas, petitions, motions, and transcripts. Personal papers, writings by Judge Ruffin, correspondence, and organizational affiliations are also part of this collection. The Personal Papers series includes biographical information, certificates, honors and awards, and documentation of Judge Ruffin’s portrait unveiling. It also contains sheet music and copyright certificates of registration, as well as a plethora of news articles written about him.

The bulk of the Writings by Ruffin series is comprised of speeches on civil rights, race relations, and the law. The Organization series features a few of the organizations with which Ruffin was affiliated during his life. Notably, Ruffin held the distinction of being the first African-American member of the Augusta Bar Association.

Dates

Creation: 1952-2016

Rights statement

All materials in this collection are either protected by copyright and/or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. For more information, please contact archives@auctr.edu.

Biographical note

Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. was born on December 23, 1934, in Waynesboro, Georgia, to John H. Ruffin, Sr., and Anna Louise Davis Ruffin. He was an attorney, judge, author, religious leader, and artist. He graduated from Waynesboro High and Industrial School in 1953. He obtained degrees from Morehouse College in 1957 and Howard University School of Law in 1960. In 1967, Judge Ruffin married Miss Judith Fennell, and they made their home in Augusta, Georgia. Judge Ruffin and Mrs. Ruffin had one son, Brinkley Ruffin. Judge Ruffin was also a faithful steward of the church. After relocating to Augusta, the family became members of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Judge Ruffin was admitted to the Georgia Bar on July 5, 1961. He was appointed a Superior Court Judge for the Augusta Judicial Circuit in 1986, becoming the first African American to hold such a position in the circuit. Subsequently, he was appointed to the Court of Appeals of Georgia in 1994, where he served with distinction, including a tenure as Chief Judge from 2005. Judge Ruffin advocated for justice, recognizing the challenges faced by African Americans and the fight for equality. One of his earliest fights for equality was in 1964 when he filed a federal lawsuit against Richmond County to desegregate its school system. Later as a judge, Ruffin presided over cases involving race relations, affirmative action, and other civil cases. Judge Ruffin was well known for his unwavering commitment to improving his community. He mentored numerous legal minds and left a lasting impact on the legal profession. Judge Ruffin also contributed to the legal profession by writing articles and serving in various teaching capacities, including teaching classes at his alma mater, Morehouse College.

In addition to his judicial roles, Judge Ruffin was involved in various professional, civic, and religious organizations. He received numerous honors and awards, including the hanging of his portrait in the Court of Appeals courtroom and the courthouse in his hometown of Waynesboro, Georgia. Judge Ruffin passed away on January 29, 2010.

Extent

23.5 Linear feet (35 manuscript boxes, 4 oversize boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection is divided into six series: 1. Personal Papers; 2. Professional Papers; 3. Writings by Ruffin; 4. Correspondence; 5. Organizations; and 6. Audio/Visual. All of the series are further divided into sub-series. The contents of the series are arranged alphabetically or chronologically. See series notes for each series for more details.