MS SC595

Recognizes Judge Henry T. Wingate as the first African-American Federal Judge ever appointed in Mississippi and the youngest federal judge ever appointed in the state at age 38.

Honors Wingate's legal career including service as Lieutenant with the Judge Advocate General's Corps (1973-1976), Attorney General's Office staff member, State District Attorney, Assistant United States Attorney, and law professor at Mississippi College School of Law.

Documents Wingate's appointment to federal bench in October 1985 following recommendation by Senator Thad Cochran and his service as Chief Judge of the Southern District of Mississippi from November 2003 for seven years, overseeing six active and six senior district judges across 45 counties.

Acknowledges Wingate's honors including honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Grinnell College (1986), Tougaloo College (2004), and Mississippi College (2011), and his recognition as one of the nation's leading 500 trial and appellate judges by Lawdragon magazine.

Notes Wingate's community service including creation of the Federal Court-Watch Program offering summer law career sessions, educational prison tours, and LSAT preparation for prospective law students.