In Memory of Matthew C. Russell

On Monday, April 22, 2024, a special FSU Law graduation ceremony was held in South Florida honoring Matthew C. Russell (’73), an esteemed attorney, educator, and civic leader from Riviera Beach. At 88 years old, Russell finally received his long-overdue doctoral hood 51 years after completing his studies at FSU Law. Due to family obligations, he had to return to Palm Beach County immediately after his exams and was unable to attend his own hooding ceremony.

His family learned that not attending the ceremony was one of his biggest regrets. They contacted alumnus and Board of Visitors member Sean Pittman (’94), who grew up as an admirer of Russell, to help organize a special graduation.

“When I think of the quote, ‘we stand on the shoulders of giants,’ I think of Mr. Russell, who was the first black lawyer I ever knew and was a stalwart in our small minority community of Riviera Beach, Florida,” said Pittman. “As one of the few African American students at the FSU Law School during my matriculation, I looked up to Mr. Russell as what Black excellence truly means in the legal field.”

What began as a modest gathering soon transformed into a vibrant celebration filled with family, friends, colleagues, and local dignitaries. Russell arrived in style and was escorted by police to honor his years of dedicated service as a legal representative for the Riviera Beach Police Department. The event overflowed with expressions of gratitude for his mentorship and leadership, showcasing the deep respect he garnered throughout his life.

“I was honored to officially hood my hometown hero, and I will never forget his tears that day,” said Pittman. “I’m forever grateful to Dean O'Conner and FSU for not hesitating to show just how much Russell and his legacy means to the history of FSU Law. Russell's values of fairness, integrity, and conscious awareness have positively impacted so many black law students and lawyers who came after him.”

In her address, Dean O’Connor shared heartfelt sentiments about Russell’s impact, stating, “It was clear that he practiced with hard work, precision, and fierce advocacy. He practiced with fairness, integrity, and the conscious awareness that he was a role model for the attorneys who would come behind him.”

Touched by the day’s significance, Russell remarked, “I am so impressed and moved by the dean coming all the way down here. This is something I’ll never forget.”

Matthew Russell passed away on September 1, 2024, in Jupiter, Florida. Yet, his legacy continues to inspire those whose lives he touched through his remarkable career and unwavering commitment to his community.

In an earlier interview, Russell recalled his decision to pursue a legal career during the late 1960s. “In Riviera Beach, we faced challenges like inadequate trash pickup. I knew we needed someone willing to stand up and fight for us,” he shared. His path led him to Florida A&M University and ultimately to FSU Law, where he earned his degree.

Family friend Zedrick Barber reminisces on how important Russell’s graduation was, not only for his friends and family, but also for the community. "Mr. Russell's graduation becomes significant because not only did he go as a FAMU graduate, but he went there, and he graduated early in his course of study from Florida State College of Law," Barber said.

Throughout his distinguished 52-year legal career, Russell advocated tirelessly for the voiceless, serving as Assistant City Attorney for Riviera Beach, General Counsel for the Riviera Beach Police Department, and as an attorney for the Housing Authority of Riviera Beach. He was also an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Beyond his legal accomplishments, Russell was a champion bodybuilder, a talented trumpet player, and a dedicated choir director. He leaves behind his sons, Matthew Clifford Russell Jr., Craig Jackson, and James Grant, along with ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward his remarkable legacy.