On December 15, 1943, the Spingarn Medal was presented to William H. Hastie in recognition of his distinguished career as a jurist and his unwavering commitment to equal justice. The Spingarn Medal, awarded annually by the NAACP, honors outstanding achievements by African Americans. ?

Hastie’s notable accomplishments include:?

• First African American Federal Judge: In 1937, appointed to the District Court of the Virgin Islands. ?

• Dean of Howard University School of Law: Served from 1939, mentoring future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. ?

• Civilian Aide to the Secretary of War: Resigned in 1943 to protest racial segregation in the military, an act that contributed to his Spingarn Medal recognition. ?New York Amsterdam News

• First African American Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands: Appointed in 1946. ?Wikipedia

• First African American Federal Appellate Judge: Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1949. ?

Hastie’s legacy continues to inspire those dedicated to justice and equality.