In the fall of 1996, I, along with LaWanda Lochart, Ermajean Booker and Sara Arthur, were facilitators of the “Law Related Education” program of the Richmond Juvenile Court, an eight-session course for at-risk youths, the successfull attendance of which helped them mitigate any court issues they faced.

I found my notes, and I was moderator of session six titled “Constitutional Rights” on Nov. 5, for which I solicited A. Donald McEachin to be “discussion leader” since his law firm had represented youth who were accused of stealing the shirts they were wearing and made to leave the store shirtless, the shirt or shirts only returned grudgingly upon proof of prior purchase as reported in the local press. I thought, what a great advocate for how the court can be your friend.

Mr. McEachin showed up at 5 o’clock that night at the Oliver Hill Courts Building, even though it was election night in Virginia, and he was then already an elected representative. He was terrific: engaging the dozen or so participants, relating what he could of that and other cases, and soliciting and answering all questions, without time constraint.

I still clearly recall one participant who visibly wrestled with how much recompense it would take for him to keep from seeking justice with his fists.

I cannot think of a better example of public service than what Mr. McEachin did that night, giving of his time to at-risk youths even though it was an important political election day and he was an elected Virginia representative, later to become one of our U.S. Congressional Representatives.

We residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia are blessed to have had him as our neighbor and public servant for the past 25 years. Thanks be to God and the universe for the life of A. Donald McEachin.

B (BEN) LACY ROSE JR.

Richmond