Kenneth E. Ramseur

Kenneth E. Ramseur joined his ancestors on Saturday, July 20, 2024, after battling prostate cancer. He left this earth the way he lived his life: on his terms, in good cheer and with no regrets. Born on Christmas Day in 1946, Kenneth was born in Hell's Kitchen, New York. He was the eldest child of Verna Geneva Sumlar and Jacob David Ramseur from South and North Carolina, respectively. He was raised with his sister Pluma and brother Wesley in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Gowanus Houses, in Brooklyn.



Kenneth was educated in the New York public school system. He is a graduate of the infamous "The High," then known as Boys High School (it is now Boys and Girls High School). There he excelled academically and athletically. He ranked as a New York City All Star in track and field and earned 1st place in the 440 yard dash as an "Explorer Scout," in 1961. Upon graduation, Kenneth capitalized on his scholastic achievements and championship prowess, and he earned both an academic and athletic scholarships from Florida A&M University (FAMU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).



Kenneth, forever studious and hard-working, graduated from college early. He returned to New York to work as a Social Worker for the City of New York and to assist his widowed mother as she raised his adolescent siblings. It was during this time that he met, who he described as, "the woman with the biggest heart than anyone I know," his "Mon'Sheryl' Amour" the love of his life, who would parent his sole child, Dakota. Kenneth frequently referred to them - Sheryl and Dakota - as his "heart and soul." When the last of his siblings attended college, Kenneth fulfilled his life-long ambition and attended law school at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law. An outstanding student, Kenneth not only, graduated with honors, but also, was a distinguished member of the Moot Court Association.

After graduation, Kenneth rejected a lucrative opportunity with a corporate law firm, in California, to further support his mother and siblings, in New York. Kenneth was admitted to the New York State Bar on July 8, 1976.

Since that time, he practiced law for approximately five (5) decades: first, as an Assistant District Attorney, in the Kings County District Attorney's Office, next, as Counsel, with the City of New York Office of the Inspector General, and finally, as a private practitioner: under the business name Kenneth E. Ramseur, Esq.

In addition to representing hundreds of litigants in criminal and civil matters, in both state and federal courts, Kenneth E. Ramseur, Esq. counseled many legendary jazz musicians, including: the great Max Roach, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Abbey Lincoln and Donald Shirley; jazz composer Coleridge Taylor-Perkinson; singer Donald Smith; and many others, including contemporary artists, like Terrance Blanchard, Donald Harrison and Christian Scott. He also served as counsel to renowned author/historian James Baldwin; a host of political leaders: County Democratic Leaders Herman "Denny" Farrell, Jr. and Keith Wright, and Mayor Eric Adams; and several judges, including the late Hon. Milton F. Tingling and the legendary Judge Bruce ("Turn Em Loose") Wright. Kenneth often mentored younger attorneys, including Anthony "Tony" L. Ricco, former Principal Law Clerk to Justice Wright, Owen H. Lamb, who served Ken until his dying day, and his daughter Dakota D. Ramseur, a Justice of the Supreme Court of New York, Civil Term.



Although he was the recipient of many awards for his tireless efforts and accomplishments, including Jive Records, 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care and numerous community and legal organizations, Kenneth built his life on helping others without accolades or acknowledgements, personifying the principle "to whom much is given, much is required."



His love of family had no boundaries and extended from his immediate family to his friends. Kenneth was a valued member of the Roberts, Borders, Mauney, Howell, Briggs and related families. He attended many family reunions throughout the years at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. On August 6, 2025 - during the 120th Family Reunion -Kenneth's great-grand and grand nieces and nephews will lay his ashes upon their ancestors' burial ground, founded in the 1800s.



Kenneth was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his loving daughter Dakota; nieces Tamara and Kelly; nephew Ross; family and friends. He will be missed by all.