Charles J. Ogletree Jr., a prominent Harvard law professor known for his contributions to criminal justice reform, school desegregation, and reparations, passed away at the age of 70. He was a mentor to several influential Black lawyers, including President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. Ogletree, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2015, died due to complications of the disease at his home in Odenton, Md.
Born to tenant farmers in California, Ogletree faced poverty but went on to become one of the country’s most prominent civil rights lawyers. He represented a diverse range of clients, including Tupac Shakur and survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. His commitment to achieving fair treatment for Black individuals in the courts was unwavering.
At Harvard Law School, Ogletree expanded the institution’s clinical training programs, particularly in public and indigent defense. He founded the Criminal Justice Institute and created Saturday School, a program aimed at providing extra support for Black students on Harvard’s predominantly white campus.
Ogletree’s impact extended beyond the classroom. President Obama looked to him as a mentor and sought his advice even after graduating from Harvard Law. Ogletree gained national attention in 1991 when he served as the lead counsel to Anita Hill during the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings. He played a crucial role in helping Hill develop a media strategy and provided her with legal advice.
In addition to his legal career, Ogletree was a public intellectual and legal commentator. He moderated a series on legal ethics for PBS and served as an on-air analyst for NBC during the O.J. Simpson trial. He argued that the media’s coverage of the case reflected a larger bias against Black Americans, perpetuating unfair treatment and legal misconduct.
Ogletree’s contributions to civil rights jurisprudence were significant. His book, “All Deliberate Speed: Reflections on the First Half-Century of Brown v. Board of Education,” explored the Supreme Court’s failure to fully address racial inequality despite landmark decisions. Although the book received critical acclaim, it was overshadowed by an unintentional plagiarism incident involving six paragraphs.
Despite the setback, Ogletree’s impact on civil rights and his commitment to racial justice cannot be understated. He was a fierce advocate for fair treatment and equality and leaves behind a lasting legacy.
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