Press Statement | February 11, 2026

Statement on the Passing of Judge William T. Newman, Jr.

Arlington, Va. (Feb. 11, 2026) – ECDC is deeply saddened by the passing of The Honorable William T. Newman, Jr., a trailblazing public servant and steadfast advocate for justice. Throughout his distinguished career — from breaking barriers as the first African American elected to the Arlington County Board- to his decades of leadership on Virginia’s 17th Judicial Circuit — Judge Newman’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and civic life enriched countless individuals and strengthened our community’s fabric.

ECDC was honored to celebrate Judge Newman and his extraordinary legacy at our 2025 Gala, when he was the recipient of ECDC’s 2025 Public Service Award.  His integrity, compassion, and dedication to public service inspired all who knew him, and his impact will be felt for generations.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who mourn his loss.

Tsehaye Teferra, Ph.D.

President and CEO of ECDC

About Judge William T. Newman, Jr.

The Honorable Judge Newman dedicated his career to serving the community through law, leadership, and civic engagement. A lifelong Arlington resident, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors from Ohio University in 1972 and a Juris Doctor from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.

He served on Virginia’s 17th Judicial Circuit Court from 1993 to 2023 before becoming a certified mediator with the McCammon Group, helping resolve civil disputes across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Judge Newman was also a trailblazer in community service and advocacy. In 1983, he founded the Northern Virginia Black Attorneys Association to support and uplift Black legal professionals. As the first African American elected to the Arlington County Board in 1987, he championed inclusive governance and later served as chairman, leading the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments.