Professor H.T. Smith Speaks at Ceremony Honoring “Colored Court” Judge John D. Johnson

Professor H.T. Smith, trailblazing trial lawyer, civil rights pioneer, and founding director of the FIU College of Law Trial Advocacy Program, spoke recently at a reception celebrating the late Judge John D. Johnson – the second judge of Miami’s “Colored Court” — and the commissioning of a bust in Judge Johnson’s honor to be displayed at the historic Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum in Overtown, where the “Colored Court” was established.

Professor Smith spoke about the contributions of Judge Johnson, both to the “Colored Court” and the legal profession entire.  “This history had been buried,” Professor Smith said, “but we are grateful that people can now understand the context and subtext of what was going on at that time by visiting the museum.  In this way,” Professor Smith continued, “we keep the history alive.”

The celebration for Judge Johnson was sponsored by the law firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, in partnership with the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation.  Over 170 guests were in attendance, including 35 judges.  The bust is being sculpted by renowned artist Brian R. Owens.

Professor Smith teaches Trial Advocacy and Advanced Trial Advocacy.  He may be reached at htsmith@fiu.edu and 305-348-8095.