The John B. Cade Library multipurpose center at Southern University and A&M College buzzed with conversation and a celebration for Black excellence on Thursday as students, faculty and members of the community gathered for a special Black History Month book signing and discussion featuring The Honorable Judge Freddie Pitcher Jr. The event was part of the university’s author series titled, “Rooted: The Power of Our Past, The Strength of Our Future”, highlighting influential voices during Black History Month.
The program opened with kind and welcoming remarks by Dr. Dawn V. Knight, Dean of Libraries, who set the tone for an enriching session. Dr. Knight praised the values of intellectual engagement and historical reflection that events like this bring to the campus community, emphasizing the importance of celebrating achievements in Black history through literature.
Following the introduction, the Chancellor of the Southern University Law School, Alvin R. Washington, took to the stage to formally introduce Judge Pitcher. With a warm commendation, the Chancellor shared not only Pitchers’s professional accomplishments but also a personal note: Pitcher was his predecessor and teacher at the Southern University Law Center, showing his act for public service.
Judge Freddie Pitcher Jr. has a distinguished career filled with historic first and dedicated service. Pitcher is a Baton Rouge native, graduated from Southern University with a B.A. in Political Science and later gained his J.D. from Southern University Law Center. Pitcher broke several racial barriers within the Louisiana legal systems, being elected as the first African American elected as a City Court Judge in Baton Rouge and then later was elected as the 19th Judicial District Court and the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals. He composed up to 200 judicial opinions. Pitcher continued to teach and help shape legal minds as the Chancellor of the Southern University Law Center from 2003 to 2015.
The event focused on Pitcher’s book, ‘Breaking Barriers: A View from the Bench’, a autobiography that reflects on his extraordinary journey from the segregated South to the highest levels of law and education.
Although there weren’t many questions, a engaging discussion followed as students and faculty were intrigued to learn more about Pitchers experience. A junior law student, who did not wish to share her name asked, “How did unjust laws and systemic limitations had impacted his career.?” In response, Judge Pitcher stated, “I had to learn how to navigate barriers without allowing them to define my path. In 1983, when folks said a black could not be elected to a judgeship in Baton Rouge, we broke the barrier and prove them all wrong. The demographics weren’t pretty but I stayed the course and here I am today.” He stands firm on his belief of faith and perseverance allowed him to break to certain barriers that were thrown at him during this time.
The program concluded with a book signing, where students, faculty and community members had the opportunity to connect with Judge Pitcher personal and purchase copies of his work that not only highlighted his accomplishment but also commemorated the importance of history, story telling and black excellence here at Southern University.
