Retired Judge William “Bill” T. Newman Jr., widely recognized as the first Black person elected to the Arlington County Board and founder of the Arlington Community Foundation, died on February 10, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, courage, and steadfast commitment to justice.
In 1987, Newman became the first Black person elected to the Arlington County Board, a milestone that signaled a new era of representation in local government. During his tenure, he championed civil rights protections, community engagement, and policies that strengthened opportunities for residents across the county.
In 1993, Newman was appointed to Virginia’s 17th Judicial Circuit Court, serving Arlington and Falls Church. He later rose to chief judge, earning respect for fairness, preparation, and a calm courtroom presence that reassured litigants and attorneys alike.
Colleagues recall his careful listening and thoughtful rulings. “He believed justice required both firmness and compassion,” one attorney said. “He wanted everyone who came before him to feel heard.”
Raised in Arlington’s Nauck neighborhood during segregation, Newman witnessed firsthand the barriers facing Black residents.
Scott McCAFFREY wrote in ARLNow that the story goes this way:
When 12-year-old William Newman Jr. learned that the U.S. Congress in 1964 had passed the Civil Rights Act, he jumped on his bicycle, traveled to a drugstore down the way in Arlington, went directly to the lunch counter (where black patrons previously hadn’t been permitted to sit), and ordered a hamburger.
Perhaps he didn’t know it at the time, but young Billy Newman had reached a crossroads in his life. “He could have turned back from the experience very bitter, but that’s not who Judge Newman is,” said David Oblon of the law firm Albo & Oblon, president of the Arlington County Bar Foundation.
Those experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to equality, civic engagement, and public service. He mentored young lawyers, encouraged students to pursue leadership, and opened doors for those from underrepresented communities — quietly changing the future of Arlington’s legal profession.
Outside the courtroom, Newman nurtured a lifelong passion for acting. He was deeply involved with 1st Stage production of Between Riverside and Crazy Tickets as “ex-cop and recent widower Walter “Pops” Washington” when he passed away. 1st Stage cancelled their opening week in mourning for this loss to the theater community.
Friends and fellow performers remember him for his dedication, stage presence, and willingness to take on challenging roles that often required both dramatic and comedic timing.
Newman also appeared in small film and television roles, frequently cast as judges or public officials — roles that drew upon his courtroom experience while allowing him to explore the performative side of storytelling. Whether on stage or screen, he brought warmth, humor, and authenticity to every role, and he often mentored younger actors, encouraging them to approach acting with the same discipline and integrity he applied to the law.
He once said acting allowed him to connect with people in ways the courtroom could not, bringing joy, creativity, and collaboration into his life.
Above all, Newman’s loved ones say his proudest role was as husband, father, grandfather, and relative who remained deeply connected to his family despite a demanding public life.
He was married to Sheila Johnson, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder of BET. The two met through a theater production years earlier, reconnected later in life, and married in 2005 at Salamander Resort witnessed by 700 guests.
Judge Newman leaves behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and compassion. He helped open doors in Arlington’s government and judiciary, inspired generations of lawyers and public servants, and enriched his community not only through law but also through the arts and his devotion to family.
He is survived by his wife, extended family, friends, former colleagues, and countless community members whose lives he touched. Virginia will long remember his example — a life dedicated to justice, service, and love for community.
