[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 117 (Thursday, June 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E567-E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JUDGE CHARLES LLOYD ELLOIE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2020

  Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Judge Charles Lloyd Elloie, a retired Orleans Parish Criminal Court 
judge, who passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the age of 82.
  Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 6, 1938 to Joseph and 
Elizabeth Fredricks Elloie, Judge Elloie was one of five children and 
was raised in the Lafitte Public Housing Development. A Pullman porter, 
his father worked on the Sunset Limited railroad while his mother was a 
domestic worker.
  A student of public school throughout grade school, Judge Elloie 
attended Dillard University and graduated with a BA degree in 
Education. He was the first of five in his family to graduate from 
college. Following his graduation from 1960 to 1966, he served as a 
biology and math teacher in the Orleans Parish School System.
  After his tenure teaching, Judge Elloie became an agent for the 
Prudential Insurance Company where he became the first African American 
hired in his region. In this role, he was successful in assisting 
individuals and expanding this critical service to many who did not 
have access prior. However, despite his success, he still yearned to 
address some of the unsettling societal inequalities he had seen and 
experienced throughout his life.
  Naturally, Judge Elloie's desire to make an impact in his community 
led him to get involved in New Orleans politics. In 1968, he pursued a 
seat on the local school board, but ultimately fell short. However, he 
stayed determined and refused to allow this loss to deter him.
  In 1969, Judge Elloie founded the Community Organization for Urban 
Politics (COUP) in partnership with his close friend, Attorney Robert 
Collins. Almost immediately, COUP became extremely influential in New 
Orleans and particularly powerful in the 6th and 7th wards.
  That same year, he ran unsuccessfully for the House of 
Representatives, but just a few years later he served as Assistant to 
the Mayor and Director of Youth Opportunities. In those roles, he 
successfully promoted political engagement, provided recreational and 
workforce opportunities for young people, and held politicians 
accountable to ensure they addressed obstacles faced by people of color 
both economically and socially.
  Prior to the election of former Louisiana Governor Edwin W. Edwards, 
Judge Elloie worked on his campaign and served as Assistant to the 
Governor from 1972 to 1975. Upon his departure, he ran for State 
Representative to represent an uptown district, but unfortunately did 
not garner enough votes needed to win.
  Soon after, Judge Elloie decided to enroll in Southern University Law 
Center to pursue a career in law. During his tenure as a student, he 
served as Student Bar Association President. Upon graduating in 1979, 
Judge Elloie was prepared to become a legal servant of the people.
  Beginning in 1980, for sixteen years Judge Elloie had a successful 
criminal law practice. His legal knowledge, his ability to connect with 
people, and his passionate pursuit of justice and equity for his 
clients all played key roles in his career as an effective criminal 
lawyer.
  In 1995, Judge Elloie ran a successful campaign for the Orleans 
Parish Criminal District Court judge. In 2002, he was re-elected 
without opposition for a second term. In 2007,

[[Page E568]]

Judge Elloie retired following a tenure of service that brought justice 
and provided numerous opportunities for second chances, all while 
making his courtroom accessible to the community.
  Judge Elloie lived an extraordinary life, founded on bringing justice 
for all, that cannot be overstated. He was dedicated to elevating his 
community, maximizing his potential, and being an agent for social 
change. Judge Elloie was a trailblazer and his life, legacy, and spirit 
will remain a guiding force to the city of New Orleans. I am grateful 
for his service. I send my sincere prayers, condolences, and strength 
to the Elloie family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in 
peace.
  Judge Charles Lloyd Elloie is survived by his wife of more than 30 
years, Dr. Pearlie Hardin Elloie, two sons, Charles L. Elloie, Jr. and 
Joseph C. Elloie, one brother, Wilbur Ronald Elloie, nine 
grandchildren, one great grandchild, numerous nephews, nieces, family 
members, friends, and colleagues. Judge Elloie was a member of the St. 
Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, serving as Lector. He was also a 
life-time member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
  Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Judge Charles Lloyd 
Elloie.

                          ____________________