Judge Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLCOURTS.GOV

Wilkie DeMerritt Ferguson, Jr. rose from the Liberty Square Housing Projects to become a federal judge in the Southern District of Florida. Judge Ferguson excelled in the hallowed halls of America’s legal system. He was known for his “brilliant mind, mighty pen and exquisite tastes”. He was a soft-spoken gentleman, avid golfer and pianist extraordinaire. He left an indelible mark on the righteous struggle to provide equal justice for all.

Judge Ferguson was born in Miami and was in the first graduating class of venerated Northwestern High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University where he met his wife Betty who was elected to the County Commission. And he received his law degree from Howard University Law School.

Judge Ferguson began his illustrious judicial career when he was appointed to the Industrial Claims Court. After which he was appointed the first Black judge in the Circuit Court of Miami-Dade County. Then he was appointed the first Black judge on the Third District Court of Appeal. Finally, he was appointed as a United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida. Judge Ferguson issued many landmark rulings protecting the rights of the disabled, immigrants, women and people of color. At his investiture, attorney H.T. Smith said, “No man is irreplaceable but there are a special few who are unforgettable. Wilkie Ferguson was in that number. He was a passionate lawyer, a committed community servant and a courageous judge who always enjoyed trying to find the right circumstance to use mercy.”

Judge Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. has had the following named in his honor: the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Federal Courthouse in downtown Miami; the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Metro Mover Station near the Courthouse; the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Boulevard which is a street in Miami Gardens designed by the Florida Legislature that runs in front of the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.

Judge Ferguson’s trailblazing legacy is cemented in perpetuity!