[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E171-E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE JUDGE HERBERT E. MILLEN AND BLACK 
                             HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD SMUCKER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2024

  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the importance 
of February as Black History Month, a time to remember and celebrate 
the accomplishments of African Americans in the United States.
  In that spirit, I want to recognize the Honorable Judge Herbert E. 
Millen of Strasburg, PA. Judge Millen was a man of great integrity, 
high-esteem, and persistent courage.
  Judge Millen was born in 1888 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Millen 
name is well-known in Lancaster County for being actively involved in 
their community and promoting equality following the Civil War.
  In the fall of 1906, Judge Millen enrolled at Lincoln University of 
Oxford, PA, to study Sociology and Economics. There, he established 
himself as a powerful orator by participating in competitions.
  In 1917, he was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania Law 
School. Upon graduating, he began working for George Mitchell, a lawyer 
who advocated for racial justice. Mitchell's approach espoused faith in 
our justice system, a conviction shared by a young Judge Millen.
  In his fight for equality, Judge Millen fought against segregation in 
Philadelphia public schools by offering legal advice to groups filing 
complaints.
  Judge Millen was continually active in his community, often visiting 
schools, congregations, and fundraising for Mercy and Frederick Douglas 
Hospitals.
  Despite his widespread public support, he was continually passed over 
to serve as a judge in the Pennsylvania Courts due to his race. Yet, he 
never ceased fighting for a seat to bring representation of African 
Americans in the Pennsylvania justice system.
  This changed in 1947, when he was appointed to a vacancy in 
Philadelphia's Municipal Court.

[[Page E172]]

  We are proud of the work of Judge Millen in the 11th District. 
Strasburg Heritage Society Magazine recently published an article 
celebrating Judge Millen's legacy. Remarks from his funeral by Reverend 
E. Luther Cunningham expressed, ``He brought a sincerity of dedication, 
an integrity of mind, and a grasp of principle which commanded the 
respect of all associated with him.''
  Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Judge Millen embodies the spirit of what 
we celebrate during Black History Month. Today, we remember and honor 
his legacy and continue to advocate for a more just world.

                          ____________________