Read a PDF of our statement here.

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is deeply saddened by the passing of Henry L. Marsh III, a renowned civil rights attorney and public servant. A lifelong civic leader and advocate, Mr. Marsh worked closely with LDF on numerous civil rights cases and made history as the first Black mayor of Richmond, VA. Mr. Marsh passed away at 91 years old on January 23, 2025. 

“Mr. Marsh was a lifelong champion for civil rights and a longtime partner of LDF whose vision to advance equality and justice helped to redefine our nation,” said Janai Nelson, LDF President and Director-Counsel. “His fearlessness in the fight against the massive resistance that followed the landmark Brown v. Board ruling set a powerful example of courage, resolve, and resilience in the face of opposition. His profound legacy will continue to help and inspire generations to come.” 

A founding member of the Virginia-based law firm Hill, Tucker, and Marsh, Mr. Marsh was a force in the civil rights movement who worked alongside LDF as a cooperating attorney on several notable school desegregation and employment discrimination cases, including Beckett v. School Board of the City of Norfolk; Smith v. United States; and Patterson v. American Tobacco Company. As a fearless advocate in the fight against the massive resistance following the landmark Brown v. Board ruling, Mr. Marsh secured several wins to ensure Virginia school systems complied with federal desegregation orders. His trailblazing work not only shaped the course of social and racial progress in Virginia and beyond, but also inspired future generations of civic leaders and activists to continue in the fight for equality and justice. 

“A brilliant attorney and civic leader, Henry’s legal prowess and extraordinary vision blazed a trail forward to reshape civil rights protections throughout the South and the entire country along with Oliver Hill, Samuel Tucker, Spottswood Robinson, and our lawyers at LDF,” said Elaine Jones, LDF’s fourth President and Director-Counsel. Throughout our years together, I witnessed firsthand how dedicated Henry was to the cause and how his work made a profound impact on the livelihoods of those he served. He will be deeply missed.” 

Mr. Marsh maintained a deep commitment to Richmond and served on the City Council before being elected as the city’s first Black mayor. Referred to adoringly by his community as the “Heart” of Richmond, Mr. Marsh’s commitment to public service, justice, and uplifting those in need left an indelible mark on every corner of the city. 

“Henry was a formidable figure in the fight for civil rights and racial justice,” said Ted Shaw, LDF’s fifth President and Director-Counsel. “At every juncture, Henry demonstrated a steadfast dedication to bettering community, helping improve the lives of many. I cannot overstate what an honor it is to have known him. Henry was the last of the Virginia lions and will be very missed. Rest in power, Henry.” 

Mr. Marsh is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Our deepest condolences are with Mr. Marsh’s loved ones at this difficult time as they navigate this profound loss. We find hope in the enduring legacy of Mr. Marsh’s work and the countless lives his courage and dedication to justice touched. 

### 

Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation’s first civil rights law organization. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957—although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights. 

Shares