Judge Dewayne Charleston

Judge DeWayne Everett Charleston, 61, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
DeWayne was born on the historic campus of Prairie View A&M University on June 30, 1963, to the late Cube and Nellie Charleston. The fifth of six children, DeWayne discovered his calling for activism and public service early in life, inspired by towering figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and W.E.B. Du Bois.
A graduate of Waller High School in the Class of 1981, DeWayne went on to pursue higher education at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), where he majored in political science and minored in history. In the spring of 1982, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., joining alongside his older brother, Carlen-a milestone that further solidified his commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service.
After completing his degree, DeWayne moved to Austin, Texas, to serve in the administration of Governor Ann Richards. He would later relocate to Dallas, where he deepened his spiritual journey by enrolling at Dallas Theological Seminary.
In 1993, DeWayne married Amy Henderson, and from that union two children were born-Christiana DiNell and Christopher DeWayne-both of whom were raised in Prairie View, continuing the family's deep-rooted connection to the town their father so dearly loved.
DeWayne seamlessly balanced fatherhood with civic leadership, serving as publisher of Prairie View Magazine, engaging the community as a sought-after lecturer, and mentoring youth as a dedicated Pee Wee football coach.
In 2003, DeWayne made history by becoming the first African American judge elected in Waller County, Texas. In that role, he merged his political vision with his unwavering commitment to civil rights and grassroots organizing.
His relentless advocacy against voter suppression earned him widespread recognition, most notably in 2004 when he helped organize a march of over 8,000 people in defense of voting rights-a testament to his ability to mobilize, inspire, and lead.
DeWayne played a vital and courageous role in the pursuit of justice following the death of Sandra Bland. Drawing upon his experience as both a judge and civil rights advocate, he emerged as a leading voice in demanding accountability and transparency from local authorities. His words pierced through institutional silence, offering the public a rare and unfiltered glimpse into the realities behind the scenes.
Even as he advocated for others, DeWayne waged a battle of his own. In 2009, he was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer and given only months to live. Anchored by unshakable faith, he underwent a series of surgeries, treatments, and experimental trials, ultimately defying every prognosis for 16 years. His remarkable survival story became the groundwork for the DeWayne Charleston Foundation, an organization devoted to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and advocating for equitable prostate cancer research-particularly in the African-American community.
Though he no longer walks among us, DeWayne's legacy lives on-through his children, through his foundation, and through the many lives he touched, doors he opened, and barriers he broke.
DeWayne was preceded in death by his parents, Cube and Nellie Charleston. He is survived by his beloved children, Christopher and Christiana; his brothers, David, Carlen, and Craig; his sisters, Phyllis and Kathleen; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of family members and friends who will continue to honor his legacy.