Kalamazoo County celebrated the dedication of their brand-new justice center on Saturday, September 7. The center will be named in honor of the late Charles A. Pratt, a World War II veteran and the first black judge in Kalamazoo county when he was elected in 1969. Judge Pratt had 50 years of experience as a lawyer before he moved to the bench, where he is remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice, community service, and mentorship. After 12 years on the bench, Judge Pratt retired, but continued to give back to his community through his work with local organizations. Most notably, Judge Pratt was a strong advocate in Cooley’s long-lasting legacy, often carrying applications to the school wherever he went during Cooley’s fledgling era.
“Arguably his biggest contribution to Cooley was the attendance of his daughter, Helen Pratt Mickens,” said Paul Zelenski, Senior Vice President of Cooley Law School. “She followed in her father’s footsteps as a Cooley student, and later was the first person Dean LeDuc hired as he formed his administrative team.”
Helen also served as Associate Dean of Cooley Law School for 32 years. In 2019, she was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Service Award, which recognizes graduates who excel in supporting the mission of Cooley Law School, have made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have honored the legacy of excellence of the Law School.
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement said in her event keynote that they were celebrating more than a new building, but also the principle it represents. Several hundred people attended the event in recognition of Judge Pratt’s 50 years of service to his community. Along with the building’s dedication, Hon. Carolyn H. Williams presented a commemorative memento to the Pratt family on behalf of Kalamazoo County.