The Library is grateful to the King family for the generous donation of 8 copies of “And Then They Came”: the Contributions of African American Lawyers in Monroe County, NY, 1864-2007 by the late Judge Roy Wheatley King, from Dr. Rashid Muhammad, son of Judge King and Director of Community Partnerships, Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County. Comprising over 100 biographical sketches, the book is a most welcome addition to our collection - invaluable both as reference and as chronicle of the achievements of African Americans in law in our area.
The Honorable Roy Wheatley King was born in Cat Island, Bahamas on July 15, 1936. He served 2 years in the U.S. Army, going on to earn degrees from Drake University, Des Moines, IA and Syracuse University Law School.
Judge King practiced law in Rochester, NY for over 30 years and was the first African American to work in the City of Rochester Law Department. He was appointed City Court judge by former mayor Bill Johnson in 1996, serving 10 years.
Forty years after completing law school, the ever-energetic Judge earned a master’s degree in theological studies from Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY. In addition to the pastoral duties he assumed thereafter, he continued active as adjunct faculty at various institutions and a member of many community organizations.
Judge King passed away on January 5, 2018 in Rochester, NY.
