Alton Wiley, Rhode Island’s first Black judge dies at 91

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Judge Wiley and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones.  On the track, in the Army, and on the bench, Alton Wiley’s exemplary talent, skill, and leadership stood out.  He was a star."

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Alton Wiley, Rhode Island’s first Black judge, passed away on Wednesday.

Wiley, 91, made history as the first Black judge to sit on the state’s District and Superior Courts.

Gov. Gina Raimondo offered her condolences in a tweet reading, “I was saddened to hear of Judge Wiley’s passing. A veteran, a brilliant legal mind, and RI’s first Black judge, he helped pave the way for a new generation of talented, diverse lawyers to serve on our courts. I’m keeping his family in my thoughts during this difficult time.”

Senator Jack Reed wrote in a statement, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Judge Wiley and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones.  On the track, in the Army, and on the bench, Alton Wiley’s exemplary talent, skill, and leadership stood out.  He was a star.”

Reed continued, “As a jurist, a civic leader, and all around gentleman, he gave so much to our community and made Rhode Island a better place.  We are forever grateful to the Wiley family and their legacy of service and equal rights and opportunity for all.”

Wiley was a track star at the University of Rhode Island, winning a multiple New England and Conference titles, according to the University’s athletics page. Wiley set records that held for over ten years.