Bethel High School names courtroom for The Honorable Wilford Taylor, Jr.

Bethel High School honored The Honorable Wilford Taylor, Jr. by dedicating the school’s educational courtroom in his name on August 15, 2024. The educational space is a part of the Law and Public Safety Academy. This dedication pays tribute to Judge Taylor's outstanding legacy of service in both the legal profession and the community, inspired by the values, passion, and commitment he embodies.

Judge Taylor was born in the historical Aberdeen neighborhood of Hampton in 1950 and was among the first group of African Americans to integrate Hampton High School, graduating in 1968. He pursued higher education at Hampton Institute, now known as Hampton University, where he earned a bachelor of science in business management in 1972. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in commerce from the University of Richmond in 1975 and a juris doctorate from the College of William & Mary in 1978. He began his legal career with the founding of a law firm alongside his good friend Congressman Bobby Scott. The firm eventually merged to become Scott, Coles, Brown, Taylor, and Melvin. In 1983 he served as the first African American deputy city attorney for Hampton and in 1985 became Hampton’s first African American judge. He served in the general district court until 1995 when he was appointed to the circuit court, a position he held until his retirement in 2018.

In addition, Judge Taylor served as an adjunct professor at the William & Mary Law School and is a retired Army colonel with 28 years of service in the reserves. He is active in the community and his church.

“It was a true honor to come together for this significant occasion - a momentous ceremony dedicating the Academy of Law and Public Safety's Law and Legal Studies courtroom in honor of Judge Taylor,” said Bethel executive principal Dr. Tanya Howard. “May this courtroom stand as a lasting testament to Judge Taylor’s remarkable contributions, and may it continue to influence and uplift our students and the community for generations to come.”