Melvin Watt: “Judge James B. McMillan, a North Carolina stalwart, died Saturday, March 4. Judge McMillan lived just outside my…”

“Judge James B. McMillan, a North Carolina stalwart, died Saturday, March 4. Judge McMillan lived just outside my district, but he had a tremendous impact on children in my district. I rise today in tribute to this great man. Judge James McMillan will always be remembered for his courageous, and right, court decision which ordered the desegregation of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. This ruling forced a reluctant school system to move into the future. He did this despite the repeated threats to his life and his family, and the subsequent FBI protection that the McMillan family had to live with for years. Judge McMillan should be remembered for his courage and for the impact he had on Charlotte-Mecklenburg and North Carolina. Today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools are still among the Nation's most integrated schools. Charlotte, as a result, is viewed as a shining symbol of the South. Because of Judge McMillan, North Carolina's children in 1970 received what they so rarely got: justice. Today's children receive the benefit of his wisdom, and live with more hope and opportunity. We mourn the passing of Judge James B. McMillan.”