The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JUDGE HUGH SCOTT
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HON. BRIAN HIGGINS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Friday, February 26, 2021
Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of a trailblazer in the Western New York legal community, Judge Hugh B. Scott. Judge Scott possessed a great legal mind and he will be sorely missed by all those who loved and respected him.
Judge Hugh B. Scott defied societal attitudes meant to restrict him and other African Americans to become the first Black federal judge in Western New York history. After he graduated as one of just three Black members of the Sweet Home High School class of 1967, Judge Scott attended Niagara University and the University at Buffalo law school, once again as one of the few Black graduates, to make local legal history.
Judge Scott made history as the first African American federal prosecutor and head of the state attorney general's office in Buffalo. He served as a City Court judge for a decade before becoming the first Black federal judge in Western New York history in 1994.
In an interview with the Buffalo News following his appointment, Judge Scott humbly remarked of his accomplishments, ``I try not to talk of it in those terms. But yes, there have been a number of firsts in my life, and yes, I'm proud of it.'' Judge Scott didn't like to dwell on his accomplishments; he was always looking to contribute to more than his resume. Though he often downplayed his own role in breaking down barriers and deflected credit for helping others do the same, that only added to Judge Scott's authenticity, which was as noticeable in his courtroom as his gavel.
Outside of the courtroom, Judge Scott's presence was felt in the talks he gave to Buffalo kids who would benefit not just from his words but from the ceilings he broke through for the betterment of himself and for others. In addition to his informal community involvement, he also served as a board member on the National Conference for Community and Justice and the Buffalo Urban League. The life member of the NAACP was connected to the fight for justice in his hometown, where he met his wife Trudy and raised two sons, while also committing to the same struggle in education and the legal profession.
Madam Speaker, thank you for this time to honor the trailblazing legacy of Judge Hugh Scott. He embodied the passion, energy, and commitment to cause that makes Buffalo unique. We will forever be grateful for his outstanding service and leadership. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Trudy and his two sons and the many friends and family. I offer my thanks to Judge Scott for his incredible contributions to the fabric of our community and offer my condolences to his family for the passing of a man known to the legal system as a judge but known to people as a husband, father, trailblazer, and role model.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 37
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