The AP reports on the death of civil rights attorney Oliver Hill of Richmond:
In 1954, he was part of a series of lawsuits against racially segregated public schools that became the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, which changed America’s society by setting the foundation for integrated education.
“He was among the vanguard in seeking equal opportunity for all individuals, and he was steadfast in his commitment to effect change. He will be missed,” said L. Douglas Wilder, who in 1989 became the nation’s first elected black governor and was a confidant of Hill’s. Wilder is now Richmond’s mayor.
Statement from Governor Tim Kaine:
Few individuals in Virginia’s rich history have worked as tirelessly as Oliver Hill to make life better for all of our citizens. His life’s work was predicated on the simple truth that all men and women truly are created equal.
With righteous determination, a sense of honor, and at considerable personal risk, Mr. Hill methodically and skillfully worked within the legal system to win landmark cases in voting rights, equal pay, better schools, and fair housing.
I first learned of Oliver Hill when I read about him in college. I never could have imagined then that I would come to know him as a friend and serve on the same City Council he was elected to in 1948.
Anne and I, along with so many of his friends, gathered in his honor in May to celebrate his 100th birthday. It was amazing then to contemplate that his life extended to one-quarter of the entire span of Virginia’s history since Jamestown. Virginia has changed in remarkable and laudable ways during the last century and no person had more to do with that than Mr. Hill.
As a pioneer for civil rights, an accomplished attorney, and a war veteran, Mr. Hill’s dedication to serving the Commonwealth and the country never failed. And, despite all of the accolades and honors he received, Mr. Hill always believed his true legacy was working to challenge the conscience of our Commonwealth and our country.
We extend our deepest prayers to his family.
From AG Bob McDonnell:
Oliver Hill, through his intellect, his humanity, and his vision positively changed the course of history in Virginia. Both in the courtroom and in the broader court of public opinion, Oliver Hill stood bravely and forthrightly for the equality of all mankind. His tireless work ensured that the Virginia we know today is one in which all men are not only created equal, but are treated equally under the law. Next summer his likeness, along with those of many of the Virginians who stood valiantly for freedom and equality alongside him, will be forever enshrined in the Civil Rights Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol. However, the legacy of Oliver Hill will best be found not in his likeness, but in his words, his intellect, his perseverance, and the victories he won for freedom and equal opportunity. Virginia has been enriched because of the life and work of Oliver Hill. All Virginians should mourn his passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this great man. For further information on Hill, check out this 2002 interview and this biography.
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VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
One of the greatest is no more.
all of Virginia stands on his shoulders
Yes, as Thomas Sowell wrote, it is in the government (schools) that it costs the least to discriminate, so that is where you find the most discrimination. Only lawsuits could hold them accountable.
It is too bad that lawsuits can’t fix our inner-city schools now. We could sue, and maybe even win, but no-one would know what remedial measures to put in.
The passing of Oliver Hill ends an era but he will not be forgotten for his integrity, directness and hard work. My sister, Clarissa Thompson(lead name on the suit to integrate schools in Arlington Co) and I met with Attorney Hil and Judge Spottswood Robinson after the service for Walter Rauh. The two of them had come up from Richmond for the memorial sevice. The stories told by them were hilarious, serious and a walk back through history. Condolences to the Hill family on this sad occasion on the passing of Attorney Hill.
Sincerely,
Gloria D. Thompson, one of the Arlington 4 to integrate Arlington Schools in February, 1959
Can we start renaming the streets for him? Nah, we can’t have civil rights in Virginia Beach.
Many subdivisions in Va Beach have a theme, such as American Indian tribe names arround in Arrowhead, and Joplin Ln, Jagger Ct, and Dylan Dr. in a neighborhood off Kempsville Rd.
I do not know who names new streets, but perhaps you could petition a developer or the city to name streets of a new subdivision for civil rights leaders.
I have always been a true admirer of Hero’s. this is a salute to all those who fought for the weak and for those who couldn’t stand up for them selves. Hats off and may god bless your soul and guide it’s way to heaven.
Maliha Siddiqui
Karachi, Pakistan