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Robert Carter Obituary
Carter, who later spent decades on the federal judiciary, died Tuesday morning at a Manhattan hospital after suffering a stroke last week, said his son, John Carter, who is a judge on the New York state bench.
Robert Carter joined Marshall at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's Legal Defense and Education Fund after leaving military service in 1944.
He worked on a number of anti-segregation cases, the most high-profile of which was Brown v. the Board of Education. In that case, the plaintiffs represented by the NAACP team argued that the system of legal segregation was unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed in a 1954 decision.
Carter "was always a fighter," his son said. "I saw through him the kind of progress that one could ma ke in fighting evil through law."
Carter was born in Florida in 1917 and grew up in Newark, N.J. He entered college at 16 years old, attending Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. He went to Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. and then to Columbia University in New York for an advanced legal degree, which he received in 1941.
He then entered the U.S. Army and became a second lieutenant. His experiences with racial hostility in the military only hardened his determination to fight for equality, his son said.
President Richard Nixon nominated Carter to the federal bench in the Southern District of New York in 1972.
His tenure on the bench also had some high-profile episodes. He oversaw the merger between the National Basketball Association and the American Basketball Association, and in 1979, found in favor of black and Hispanic officers challenging the hiring practices of the New York Police Department.
Carter also is survived by an other son, David; a sister, and a grandson.
DEEPTI HAJELA/Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
88 Entries
S. Howerton-Barrow
February 15, 2012
Thanks for all you've done for us in the Justice Department! Many may not realize the important part you played in getting "us" where we are today! God blessed you with longevity, now you'll get your just reward! Rest in Peace! We love you!
February 10, 2012
Psalms 90:10 states, "In themselves the days of our years are seventy years, and If because of special mightiness that are eighty years." Although he lived a long life this does not relieve the pain that is felt by his love ones.
Hilda
January 27, 2012
Psalm 90:10 states, In themselves the days of our years are seventy years, and if because of special mightiness that are eighty years. Although he lived a long life this does not relieve the pain that is felt by his love ones.
How you can show support
Jeanette
January 21, 2012
To the family and friends of Robert Carter,
Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes - Psalm 116:15.
Bob Stokes 33*
January 9, 2012
To:
Bob Carter's Entire Family.
Carter,Thurgood,ACP Jr. were verytight,
cutbuddies.
Real Tight.
NAACP Attorney Rufus W.Johnson,Carter and Thurgood made it possible for Native American's to practice their religion again in the United States of America.
The Navajo Case 1963.
Bob Carter has some serious American historical endeavors.
I love him.
Profound Sincere Condolences
Chuck Stone
Founding Member
Congressional Black Caucus
Bob Stokes 33*
The Mother Lodge
Lodon U. K.
Margie Stewart
January 6, 2012
Thanks for sharing. Growing up in the 60's I have been impacted by Mr Carter courage. I celebrate the life of Robert Carter.Thanks
Gail Graise
January 6, 2012
What a remarkable man, the world is a better place because of his footprints. Thank you to his family for sharing him with the world and heartfelt sympathies to each of you.
Shirley Thomas
January 6, 2012
WOW he was 33 years old when I was born!!! What a blessing he was he did not just live life he made a big big big difference in so many people lifes!!! God rest his soul and the blessing of the Lord Jesus be upon his family and all that concerns him! The Lord Let him live to see 94 years!!! I will print this and add it to my Black History collection.
January 6, 2012
A great warrior has gone to get his just reward. We thank God for his journey with us, we are greatly blessed.
Family, be encouraged!
Jeannie, Gary, IN.
William Palmer
January 6, 2012
My prayers go out to the Carter Family.Judge Carter was a model for Lincoln and Howard Men and Women. He had a positive impact on humanity!
Sully
January 6, 2012
RIP Mr. Carter, thank you for making the world a better place.
NorveLa FLuddrice
January 6, 2012
To: The FamiLy of the late Robert Carter: HeartFeLt CondoLences is sent your way.
vincent howell
January 6, 2012
I met Judge Carter in 2009 when I went to his apartment on the West Side of Manhattan for a book signing for Patricia Sullivan for her book, "Lift Every Voice".
After about 2 hours or so, Judge Carter asked me to help him to put some clothes on, so I went to his bathroom with him to help him get out of his clothes and help him put on some new ones.
I remember thinking, wow! Here I am helping out a genius of a man who has made my education, a poor kid from inner-city Washington DC, possible! I am the first in my family to attend college, and to receive a degree from Harvard University.
I told Judge Carter that day that I would come over anytime he wanted me to help him out with anything.
I remember thinking I would bathe this man's feet, dress him, feed him, anything he asked me to do, and it still would not be enough to repay him for all of his struggles to make my life, and so many other African-Americans lives successful in the face of the persistence of racism and bigotry in this country.
God and Jesus are taking care of him now. Vincent Haywood-Howell, New York, NY
January 6, 2012
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time and we wish you comfort from the Almighty. Ish 25:8.
LUCINDA SHAMSID-DEEN
January 6, 2012
Our prayers goes out to his family. We thank him for his courage and job well done. RIP
LUCINDA SHAMSID-DEEN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
January 6, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
;eroy franklin
January 6, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Delores Perry
January 6, 2012
Had it not been for your efforts, I would not have been able to attain an equal and quality public school education. [I was born after 1954.] May God rest your soul and comfort your family in their hour of need.
Kimm E. Gorman
January 5, 2012
What a legacy this fine gentleman has left to his family, the NAACP and most importantly, to the many minorities who have been discriminated against in an education system that still deserves to be challenged for the inequalities that remain today. I applaud him for his work here on earth and know that it will never be forgotten. RIH Mr. Carter, although you will be missed but forever remembered. Thank you for a job well done!
Dolores
January 5, 2012
Thank You!!!!!!!!
Sarah Tucker
January 5, 2012
Thank you Mr. Carter, rest in peace. To the family keep looking to Jesus for comfort. You are all in my prayers
January 5, 2012
To the Carter Family.
I'm so sorry for your're loss may the God of peace be with you in this time of need. 1Corn15:26.
Denise, NJ
Halleston Toney Sr
January 5, 2012
"RIP" Good and Faithful Servant, You fought a Good and Honorable Fight. Thank You.
Carmen Stokes
January 5, 2012
A true warrior of the people. His spirit will forever be alive in the hearts of the people his lived to serve. My prayers are with him and his family.
Lamont Stankwich
January 5, 2012
Remembering your great story today and always. God Bless.
Debra Weston-Williams
January 5, 2012
Thank you for all of your contributions Mr. Robert Carter!
God Bless the family during your time of grief
s m
January 5, 2012
He was a precious man ,we will miss him greatly ,and may you continue to be comforted by the GOD of all comfort(2COR1:3,4).
Dorita Wood
January 5, 2012
May the Lord's hands of compassion,love and guiding light from above, shine down upon this family. Thanks to Mr. Carter for his inspiration to this nation. Also all his sacrifices,determination, and great courage. Brown VS Board Education. Cherished Memories,
Sheila Warner
January 5, 2012
A great man who leaves behind a legacy of fighting for civil rights.
January 5, 2012
REST IN PEACE,ROBERT ALFRED OMAHA NEB
Rosalind Wynne
January 5, 2012
I did not know Mr. Carter but went to school in Topeka, Ks. and knew Rev. Brown and Linda. Thank you Mr. Carter for your service and RIP.
Bertha L. Pruitt
January 5, 2012
Your earthly light will now shine for evermore, in the bosom of our Heavenly Father. In deep sympathy to the family and the entire human race. God rest his soul.
Sarah Larsen Astrones
January 5, 2012
Simply an amazing man. May he Rest In Peace.
Loretta West
January 5, 2012
To the Carter family. I am sorry for the lost of your precious love one. He has done a great job I am a school teacher and he was well appericated. now he is in heaven and it is now time for him to rest. may God continue to bless his family.
edna palmore
January 5, 2012
Thank you for standing up for us.
January 5, 2012
Peace and blessings to the Carter Family. Mr. Robert Carter fought a good fight, his work is done. We are all blessed for God giving him life. God is Good - looking forward to meeting him in heaven.
Edna Jennings and Family
January 5, 2012
My HERO. (SAV GA)
Janice Manning
January 5, 2012
Sir, I salute you, you are truly a blessed soldier and the work you have done, has spoken for yourself and for many others, to the family your father is loved and will be greatly missed by all.
Newton Collier
January 5, 2012
Thanks for work you have done. Now you may rest in peace.
JT Flynn
January 5, 2012
Thank you Mr. Carter. I am very greatful for the work you did to help liberate Black folks You are in Heaven now receiving your reward.
Sherlynn Allen-Harris
January 5, 2012
Thank you for your service to humanity. Your work is significant in helping pave the way to equality and social justice for a large segment of our society. Although we have a long way to go in this fight, your work helped pave the way for other freedom fighters to take up the mantle of our continuing fight for full equality for all.
You have earned your rest among other icons for human rights.
God bless and keep the Carter family.
January 5, 2012
Mr. Carter & Family
Thank you for everything you have done for people as a whole. For blessing us when did not even know that we were being blessed.
Your faithfulness to mankind is greatly appreciated. We know that The Lord Jesus Christ was with you for sure.
So go on and get your Heavenly Crown
and Rewards.
Mrs. Teretha Brown
From: Winston-Salem NC.
Connie lewis
January 5, 2012
Truly, a life well lived. I was happy to see that Mr. Carter spent 94 years on this earth, most spent fighting for justice. What a legacy to leave for others to follow. A legend. I remember reading and studying and briefing Brown v Board of Education in law school.
Harold Carr
January 5, 2012
A Warrior... An inspiration ... We are a better community, a people and a nation for your efforts.
Jane Dowling
January 5, 2012
God bless you and all of your loved ones. R.I.P.
Jerry Hale
January 5, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Wanda Smith-Williams
January 5, 2012
What a servant of God and his people! Now, rest in peace.
Holly Hayman-Arthur
January 5, 2012
I am deeply touched by the life he lived. It is because of his sacrifices and determination that evil was again defeated. He will live on through his incredible achievements and iconic life changing influences! May the family find peace and strength through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
PJ Carter
January 5, 2012
What a wonderful man. My son wants to become a lawyer this great man's life is a good example. May he rest in peace. Thank God for him and his family.
Linda
January 5, 2012
God Bless you, and thanks for all you have done.
Sharon Warr
January 5, 2012
Thank you for your work with the movement as well as your service to this country. Your battle is over. RIP
Shirl Southard
January 5, 2012
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION. YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED. YOU FOUGHT A GREAT BATTLE!
Jeffrey C. Robinson
January 5, 2012
May God sustain the family at this time. Rest in peace Mr. Carter
S. J.
January 5, 2012
I thank you God for a man of great courage to have allowed his ability to used by you. Lord, if you will continue to use others to keep his legacy alive bless and keep his family and make them strong, for we know in order for one to truly live one must first die. Mr. R. Carter for all the doctors, teachers, lawyers, for all that are educated for all that are being educated and for all that will be educated we say, "Thank You."
Christine Griffin
January 5, 2012
Thank you Mr. Carter for your undying determination to make life possible for millions of young men and women fighting for whats right. We live in a society where evil is right and good seems wrong but not so when God raised up men and womwn in your time and continues to do so. Rest my brother for the work will continue and it is because of your labor that it will not be in vain. To your loved ones find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and you must pick up where he left off and what a legacy to follow. May the Holy Spirit comfort you all in your time of grief.
Your sister in Christ
Chris Griffin
Tami Bramblett
January 5, 2012
I am a white woman that grew up in the 70's and 80's, thanks to gentlemen like Mr. Carter, I will never know the sanctioned racism that permeated American life just a decade before me.
True heroes like him are hard to come by and sorely missed when we lose them. My prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time.
What a valuable life and legacy. God Bless!
RONNIE WINSTON
January 5, 2012
WITH OUT YOUR SERVICE TO OUT COMMUNITY WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH OUT YOU THERE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A PRESIDENT OBAMA THANK YOU SIR FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR OUR PEOPLE AND OUR NATION
Deloris Brown
January 5, 2012
Thank god for a good man that have showed many black`s that you can fight evil the right way , in court with a good lawyer.,He started at the age of 16 yrs. old Wow that`s a blessing. you will be dearly missed . my prayer`s go out to the family. may god bless you more. this is black history.
Charles W. Jr. and Nancy Frederick
January 5, 2012
Mr. Carter, we, the people of color would like to thank you for your dilligence in fighting the battle for justice. May you rest in peace! Carter family, continue to fight the fight that Mr. Carter fought for peace and equality. GOD Bless you all!
Chuckie and Nancy Frederick
January 5, 2012
Prayerfully, we will have many, many, more Robert Carters. We thank God for loaning him to us. We grieve with you. James and Dorothy Turner, TN
The Long Family
January 5, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jill Singh
January 5, 2012
What a gift this man was to all of us who treasure equality in this nation. God bless you all at this difficult time.
Barbara Egwim
January 5, 2012
Rest in peace Mr. Carter for your good work has been done. We will always remember you.
Thomas Davis
January 5, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Marilyn Irlbacher
January 5, 2012
You have earned your rest good and faithful servant. Thank you for all that you have done and accomplished against great odds.
January 5, 2012
His common sense and sense of fairness
helped Kentuckians reap great benefits from integration in schools and places of public accomodation.
Ben Shobe, Ky. Circuit Judge, Retired
Ken Overton
January 5, 2012
I never knew Mr. Carter but I thank God for men such as him.
Rita Hansard
January 5, 2012
I would like to thank your Dad for being a fighter and making life a little better for me. I was born 1960.
January 5, 2012
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Ginger F. Smith & Family
Reba Nelson
January 5, 2012
To the Carter family my heart bleed's for the loss of a very special man but God knows and heals our heart's . I'm so very sorry for your lost and my prayer's are with the family . Thank God for men like him, we come a long way in Jesus name. Because of Chirst he'll alway's be remembered for the love of the people. In Chirst Jesus. The Nelson Family.!!!!!!!!R. I. P.
Clark McCullough
January 4, 2012
Rest In Peace Bob Carter. You were a great man and my boss for 27 years in the Federal Court. We were a better team than Judge Judy and her Clerk. I send my sorrow on the loss of this great man who did so much for White's and Black's.and the Civil Rights movement.
Clark D. McCullough Deputy Clerk to Judge Robert L. Carter
Toni Cavalieri
January 4, 2012
God bless you for all you have done in your lifetime to bring happiness and stability at this time of need. God bless your family at this time of sadness.
Carla Range
January 4, 2012
May God continue to bless your family in your time of loss
Rebecca Tisdale
January 4, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Glenda Pulley
January 4, 2012
God please be with this family as they say their final goodbye. A man of character and determination
Glinda Pulley
January 4, 2012
May God give you strength as you say goodbye to someone that did many wonderful things during his journey here.
cheryl hutchinson
January 4, 2012
God Bless him live a long life,and a good man that alway help everyone!! R.I.P.
Danielle
January 4, 2012
My sorrow to the Carter family at this time. How we long for the day when all injustices, including the most painful injustice of all, death, will be done away with as our Creator promised.- Psalm 72:12-14
January 4, 2012
To the the family of Robert Carter - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
January 4, 2012
My the Lord keep ur family in prayeD!! For his blessing ur father was a great human being JOB WELL DONE SIR!!.
NC
January 4, 2012
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Mr Carter. May you hold on to dear memories of your love one. And know our Heavenly Father is healing the broken hearted ones.. Psalm 147:3. He will comfort your hearts and make you firm in your time of sorrow.
With Sincere Sympathy,
January 4, 2012
Job well done!! Rest in Peace. Prayers to the family.
Mrs. Williams, MD
Jacqueline Artis
January 4, 2012
Dear Family,
"May the day come when you are so preoccupied with the blessings of The Father that you no longer recall the sorrow of today". (Ecclesiastes 5:20, paraphrased)
Sincerest condolences,
January 4, 2012
good man
Archie Ackerman
January 4, 2012
The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
You have helped justice to be done. Rest in peace.
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