The George Lewis Ruffin Society was established in 1984 and is now based at Northeastern University to support minorities studying in the Massachusetts criminal justice system.
History
The Society was founded in honor of George Lewis Ruffin, who was the first African American to graduate from Harvard Law School in 1869 and was later elected the first African American to serve on the Boston City Council in 1875. In 1883, Ruffin became the first African American judge in the United States.
Mission
The Ruffin Society’s goals are to create greater understanding between the minority community and the criminal justice profession, as well as to promote and encourage the advancement of minorities in the field of criminal justice and the legal field at large. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is a key partner to the Ruffin Society in promoting these goals. For instance, the Ruffin Society sponsors community education programs and exam preparation courses to assist police officers of color in achieving promotion in the Boston Police Department.
Past Events with the Ruffin Society
Convocation: Criminal Justice Professionals of Color Address Criminal Justice Reform Here and Now
In October 2021, the Ruffin Society hosted a distinguished group of judges, academics, law enforcement officials, and community leaders to discuss race and criminal justice in America today. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held virtually. Over three distinct panels, keynote speakers included Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and Distinguished Professor of Law Margaret A. Burnham.
Reception with the Boston Police Department
In January 2019, the Northeastern School of Criminology and Criminal Justice hosted the George Lewis Ruffin Society Reception in honor of Boston Police Commissioner William Gross and Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins. Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville Bard, Director of The John D. O’Bryant African American Institute Richard O’Bryant, and a host of others were on hand to enjoy the celebration.
Convocation on Race and Justice in Massachusetts and America
In April 2017, the Ruffin Society held the Convocation on Race and Justice in Massachusetts and America, during which a distinguished group of judges, academics, law enforcement officials, and community leaders convened to discuss race and criminal justice in America today. Read more on Northeastern News.