This collection documents the work of the Honorable John H. Ruffin, Jr. as a civil rights attorney, judge, speaker, lecturer, and civic leader. Judge Ruffin was actively involved in numerous civil rights cases, notably the Acree vs. County Board of Education of Richmond County, Georgia, a lawsuit he filed to desegregate the schools in the county. Notably, Ruffin held the distinction of being the first African-American member of the Augusta Bar Association. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Aug 16, 2023

John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection

This collection documents the work of the Honorable John H. Ruffin, Jr. as a civil rights attorney, judge, speaker, lecturer, and civic leader. Judge Ruffin was actively involved in numerous civil rights cases, notably the Acree vs. County Board of Education of Richmond County, Georgia, a lawsuit he filed to desegregate the schools in the county. Notably, Ruffin held the distinction of being the first African-American member of the Augusta Bar Association.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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Portrait of the Ruffin family. Written on verso: The John H. Ruffin, Jr., Family; Ellison (2), Candace, Jack (12-23-34 to 1-29-10), S. Brinkley, Bryson (7) and Judith; Date of Picture: December 27, 2009
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Family, December 27, 2009
Date Created
2009-12-27
Description
Portrait of the Ruffin family. Written on verso: The John H. Ruffin, Jr., Family; Ellison (2), Candace, Jack (12-23-34 to 1-29-10), S. Brinkley, Bryson (7) and Judith; Date of Picture: December 27, 2009
Subject
African American families, African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. stands next to his father, John H. Ruffin, Sr., and son, Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, with grandsons, Ellison Ruffin and Bryson Ruffin. Written on verso: John H. Ruffin, Jr.; John H. Ruffin, Sr.; Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, Ellison Myles Ruffin 2 3/4; Bryson Fennell Ruffin 7; December 25, 2009 Waynesboro, GA
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Family, December 25, 2009
Date Created
2009-12-25
Description
John H. Ruffin, Jr. stands next to his father, John H. Ruffin, Sr., and son, Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, with grandsons, Ellison Ruffin and Bryson Ruffin. Written on verso: John H. Ruffin, Jr.; John H. Ruffin, Sr.; Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, Ellison Myles Ruffin 2 3/4; Bryson Fennell Ruffin 7; December 25, 2009 Waynesboro, GA
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. stands next to his portrait. Written on verso: Portrait unveiling of former Chief Judge, the Honorable John H. Ruffin Jr. Courts of Appeals Courtroom Atlanta, Georgia September 11, 2008
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr., with Portrait, September 11, 2008
Date Created
2008-09-11
Description
Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. stands next to his portrait. Written on verso: Portrait unveiling of former Chief Judge, the Honorable John H. Ruffin Jr. Courts of Appeals Courtroom Atlanta, Georgia September 11, 2008
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. stands next to his portrait. Written on verso: Judge John H. (Jack) Ruffin, Jr. with portrait; A Tribute to the Honorable Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Unveiling of Portrait, State Courts and Superior Court Courtroom Waynesboro, Georgia April 3, 2008
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr., with Portrait, April 3, 2008
Date Created
2008-04-03
Description
Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. stands next to his portrait. Written on verso: Judge John H. (Jack) Ruffin, Jr. with portrait; A Tribute to the Honorable Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Unveiling of Portrait, State Courts and Superior Court Courtroom Waynesboro, Georgia April 3, 2008
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. being sworn-in as Chief Judge of Court of Appeals of Georgia by Judge Anthony A. Alaims. Written on verso: Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. being sworn-in as Chief Judge, Court of Appeals of Georgia by Judge Anthony A. Alaims, U.S. District Court, Southern Districts of Georgia January 5, 2005
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Swearing-In of John H. Ruffin, Jr., January 5, 2005
Date Created
2005-01-05
Description
Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. being sworn-in as Chief Judge of Court of Appeals of Georgia by Judge Anthony A. Alaims. Written on verso: Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. being sworn-in as Chief Judge, Court of Appeals of Georgia by Judge Anthony A. Alaims, U.S. District Court, Southern Districts of Georgia January 5, 2005
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Portrait of the Court of Appeals of Georgia with Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. serving as Chief Judge. Written on verso: Court of Appeals of Georgia.
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Court of Appeals of Georgia, circa 2005
Date Created
2000/2010
Description
Portrait of the Court of Appeals of Georgia with Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. serving as Chief Judge. Written on verso: Court of Appeals of Georgia.
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Portrait of John H. Ruffin, Jr.. Written on verso: Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. 2000's
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr., circa 2005
Date Created
2000/2010
Description
Portrait of John H. Ruffin, Jr.. Written on verso: Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. 2000's
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with other judges on the Court of Appeals of Georgia. Written on verso: Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1997.
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1997
Date Created
1997
Description
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with other judges on the Court of Appeals of Georgia. Written on verso: Court of Appeals of Georgia, 1997.
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Governor Roy Barnes. Written on verso: Judge John H. (Jack) Ruffin, Jr., Court of Appeals of Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, Governor of Georgia
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Governor Roy Barnes, circa 2000
Date Created
1995/2005
Description
Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Governor Roy Barnes. Written on verso: Judge John H. (Jack) Ruffin, Jr., Court of Appeals of Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, Governor of Georgia
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Judge Charles B. Mikell, Governor Roy Barnes, and Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes. Written on verso: Judge Charles B. Mikell, Court of Appeals of Georgia; Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Court of Appeals of Georgia; Governor Roy Barnes, Governor of Georgia, Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes, Court of Appeals of Georgia
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Others, circa 2000
Date Created
1995/2005
Description
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Judge Charles B. Mikell, Governor Roy Barnes, and Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes. Written on verso: Judge Charles B. Mikell, Court of Appeals of Georgia; Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Court of Appeals of Georgia; Governor Roy Barnes, Governor of Georgia, Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes, Court of Appeals of Georgia
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin being sworn in by Governor Zell Miller. Written on verso: Judge John H. (Jack) Ruffin, Jr. being sworn in as Judge of the Courts of Appeals of Georgia by Governor Zell Miller August 24, 1994.
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Governor Zell Miller, August 24, 1994
Date Created
1994-08-24
Description
John H. Ruffin being sworn in by Governor Zell Miller. Written on verso: Judge John H. (Jack) Ruffin, Jr. being sworn in as Judge of the Courts of Appeals of Georgia by Governor Zell Miller August 24, 1994.
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. poses for a picture with his family members and Governor Zell Miller following the swearing-in ceremony. Written on verso: Newly sworn-in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. Courts of Appeals of Georgia with Judith Fennell Ruffin, wife, Anna L. Davis Ruffin Gordon, mother, John H. Ruffin, Sr., father, Gov. Zell Miller, and Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, son August 24, 1994
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Others, August 24, 1994
Date Created
1994-08-24
Description
John H. Ruffin, Jr. poses for a picture with his family members and Governor Zell Miller following the swearing-in ceremony. Written on verso: Newly sworn-in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. Courts of Appeals of Georgia with Judith Fennell Ruffin, wife, Anna L. Davis Ruffin Gordon, mother, John H. Ruffin, Sr., father, Gov. Zell Miller, and Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, son August 24, 1994
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with fellow Court of Appeals judges and Governor Zell Miller. Written on verso: Newly sworn-in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. Courts of Appeals of Georgia with fellow Courts of Appeals Judges and Gov. Zell Miller
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Others, August 24, 1994
Date Created
1994-08-24
Description
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with fellow Court of Appeals judges and Governor Zell Miller. Written on verso: Newly sworn-in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. Courts of Appeals of Georgia with fellow Courts of Appeals Judges and Gov. Zell Miller
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Judge Bettieanne Childers Hart and others. Written on verso: Newly sworn-in Judge Bettieanne Childers Hart, Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit with Gov. Zell Miller and Augusta, Georgia colleagues
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Others, circa 1997
Date Created
1992/2002
Description
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Judge Bettieanne Childers Hart and others. Written on verso: Newly sworn-in Judge Bettieanne Childers Hart, Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit with Gov. Zell Miller and Augusta, Georgia colleagues
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Swearing-in ceremony for John H. Ruffin, Jr. and others with Governor Zell Miller.
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Others, circa 1997
Date Created
1992/2002
Description
Swearing-in ceremony for John H. Ruffin, Jr. and others with Governor Zell Miller.
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Portrait of John H. Ruffin, Jr.. Written on verso: John H. Ruffin, Jr. c 1994
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr., circa 1994
Date Created
1986/1996
Description
Portrait of John H. Ruffin, Jr.. Written on verso: John H. Ruffin, Jr. c 1994
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. being sworn in by Georgia Governor Joe Frank Harris. Written on verso: John H. (Jack) Ruffin, Jr. being sworn in as Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit by Gov. Joe Frank Harris; Senate Chambers, Atlanta, Georgia July 9, 1986
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. and Governor Joe Frank Harris, July 9, 1986
Date Created
1986-07-09
Description
John H. Ruffin, Jr. being sworn in by Georgia Governor Joe Frank Harris. Written on verso: John H. (Jack) Ruffin, Jr. being sworn in as Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit by Gov. Joe Frank Harris; Senate Chambers, Atlanta, Georgia July 9, 1986
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
From left to right, Reverend C.S. Hamilton, Judge William M. Fleming, Jr., Marilyn M. Fleming, John H. Ruffin, Jr., Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, Judith Ruffin, and Governor Joe Frank Harris pose for pictures following the swearing-in ceremony. Written on verso: Newly sworn in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit with Rev. C. S. Hamilton, Judge and Mrs. William M. Fleming, Jr., Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, Judith Fennell Ruffin and Gov. Joe Frank Harris; Senate Chamber, Atlanta, Georgia July 9, 1986
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Others, July 9, 1986
Date Created
1986-07-09
Description
From left to right, Reverend C.S. Hamilton, Judge William M. Fleming, Jr., Marilyn M. Fleming, John H. Ruffin, Jr., Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, Judith Ruffin, and Governor Joe Frank Harris pose for pictures following the swearing-in ceremony. Written on verso: Newly sworn in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit with Rev. C. S. Hamilton, Judge and Mrs. William M. Fleming, Jr., Simeon Brinkley Ruffin, Judith Fennell Ruffin and Gov. Joe Frank Harris; Senate Chamber, Atlanta, Georgia July 9, 1986
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
Judge William M. Fleming, Jr., Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Governor Joe Frank Harris, and Judge Franklin H. Pierce pose together for a picture following the swearing-in ceremony. Written on verso: Newly sworn in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit with Judge William M. Fleming, Jr., Gov. Joe Frank Harris, and Judge Franklin H. Pierce; Senate Chamber, Atlanta, Georgia July 9, 1986
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Others, July 9, 1986
Date Created
1986-07-09
Description
Judge William M. Fleming, Jr., Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Governor Joe Frank Harris, and Judge Franklin H. Pierce pose together for a picture following the swearing-in ceremony. Written on verso: Newly sworn in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit with Judge William M. Fleming, Jr., Gov. Joe Frank Harris, and Judge Franklin H. Pierce; Senate Chamber, Atlanta, Georgia July 9, 1986
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. poses for a picture with his family members and Governor Joe Frank Harris following the swearing-in ceremony. Written on verso: Newly sworn in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit with Mary Ruffin, step-mother, Anna L. Davis Ruffin Gordon, Mother, John H. Ruffin, Sr., father, and Gov. Joe Frank Harris; Senate Chamber, Atlanta, Georgia July 9, 1986
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. with Others, July 9, 1986
Date Created
1986-07-09
Description
John H. Ruffin, Jr. poses for a picture with his family members and Governor Joe Frank Harris following the swearing-in ceremony. Written on verso: Newly sworn in Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr., Superior Courts of Georgia, Augusta Judicial Circuit with Mary Ruffin, step-mother, Anna L. Davis Ruffin Gordon, Mother, John H. Ruffin, Sr., father, and Gov. Joe Frank Harris; Senate Chamber, Atlanta, Georgia July 9, 1986
Subject
African American judges, African American lawyers, African Americans--Politics and government, African American women
Collection
John H. Ruffin, Jr. Collection