Remembering Charles Ogletree: A Legacy of Intellectual Discourse and Community Impact

Prominent Law Professor and Activist, Charles Ogletree, Remembered for Intellectual Legacy and Community Impact

In Memoriam: Charles James Ogletree Jr., a highly esteemed constitutional law scholar, activist, and founder of The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School, passed away on Friday, August 4, at the age of 70. Mr. Ogletree's death comes after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the realms of law, justice, and civil rights.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Ogletree made a profound impact as an intellectual leader and brought about essential discussions on racial justice and equality. An integral part of the community in Oak Bluffs, he spent numerous summers on the Island, fostering intellectual discourse through public forums. His commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding was honored in 2022 when Union Chapel officially named its public forum series the "Charles Ogletree Forum."

The 2023 summer forum series commenced on Thursday, with a thought-provoking discussion featuring prominent figures such as Ayanna Pressley, Ibram Kendi, and Fred Zollo, skillfully moderated by Kimberly Atkins-Stohr.

Mr. Ogletree's influence reached far beyond the academic sphere, as evidenced by his close relationship with former student and then-state senator Barack Obama. Notably, in 2004, Mr. Obama spoke at one of Mr. Ogletree's forums, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

A prolific author, Mr. Ogletree penned the bestseller "The Presumption of Guilt: The Arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Race, Class, and Crime in America," a book that shed light on social issues and sparked crucial conversations about the criminal justice system.

Born on December 31, 1952, in Merced, California, Mr. Ogletree's academic journey took him to prestigious institutions such as Stanford, where he earned his BA and MA, and Harvard Law School, where he received his JD. In 1985, he became a professor at Harvard Law School, leaving an indelible mark on his students and colleagues alike.

The Vineyard community held Mr. Ogletree in high esteem, culminating in a special tribute in 2017 by Morehouse College at the Oak Bluffs home of Dr. Louis Sullivan. Despite not having attended Morehouse, Mr. Ogletree's deep connections and contributions to the Island's Morehouse community led to his recognition as an honorary member during its 150th-anniversary celebration.

A mentor, friend, and inspiration to many, Mr. Ogletree's impact extended beyond academia. Colleagues, students, and friends fondly remember his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Apart from his academic pursuits, Mr. Ogletree also indulged in one of his passions - fishing. With Buddy Vanderhoop as his guide, he often ventured out on the waters, and his name graced the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby board on multiple occasions.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, the Charles Ogletree Forum continues to honor his legacy and vision. On August 9, Union Chapel will host a talk titled "Truth be Told: Democracy in Crisis," carrying forward the torch of intellectual discourse and community engagement that Mr. Ogletree ignited.

Charles Ogletree's contributions to our understanding of law, race, and justice will forever be remembered and cherished. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.