Howard University honors the remarkable legacy of Henry Levander Marsh III (J.D., '59), civil rights attorney and political pioneer, who passed away on January 23 at the age of 91. A 1959 graduate of the Howard University School of Law, Marsh made history as Richmond’s 70th mayor, the first Black person to serve in the role. His mayorship helped usher in a period of profound racial and political transformation in the city. Later, his Howard classmate, L. Douglas Wilder (J.D. ’59), would serve as Richmond's 78th mayor.

Marsh’s career spanned seven decades of public service, during which he championed civil rights, desegregation, and social justice. His legal work, political leadership, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on Richmond, Virginia, and beyond.

Marsh’s journey began in Richmond, Virginia, where he was born on December 10, 1933. His early years were shaped by both hardship and resilience. He lost his mother at the age of two and spent part of his childhood in rural Virginia before returning to Richmond. He attended Virginia Union University, where he became an outspoken advocate for civil rights.

His activism led him to the Howard University School of Law, an institution renowned for shaping generations of civil rights attorneys. After graduating from Howard in 1959 and serving in the U.S. Army, Marsh joined legal giants Oliver W. Hill and Samuel W. Tucker to form the law firm of Hill, Tucker & Marsh, a Black-led law firm that became a cornerstone of legal advocacy during the civil rights movement. The firm produced numerous state and federal jurists.

Marsh played a pivotal role in landmark cases, including Quarles v. Philip Morris, the first legal case to address racial discrimination in employment. He was a relentless opponent of “Massive Resistance,” once Virginia state government’s policy in defiance of federally mandated school desegregation that followed Brown v. Board of Education. This defiance led to the closure of public schools rather than allowing integration.

Marsh served 25 years on the Richmond City Council and 22 years in the Virginia State Senate. As mayor, he led Richmond through a period of unprecedented racial and political transformation. Throughout his career, Marsh remained steadfast in his leadership, advocating for economic development, education, and social justice. His commitment to mentorship was one of his greatest legacies. He nurtured generations of civic leaders, supporting individuals across racial, political, and economic lines who sought to make a difference.

Marsh is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His wife of 58 years, Diane Harris Marsh, passed away in 2020.