Arlington County Board remembers the Legacy of Judge William Newman

Published on February 11, 2026

The Arlington County Board learned of the passing of retired County Board Member and Arlington Circuit Court Judge William Newman. The Board offers its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.  

Judge Newman was a remarkable Arlingtonian, whose contributions to our community are groundbreaking, vast, and inspiring. In 1987, he was the first African American elected to the Arlington County Board. In 1991, he was reelected, served as Chair of the Board, and founded the Arlington Community Foundation, an organization that stewards resources and support to make Arlington a better place. Mr. Newman also served as a Judge of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 17th Judicial Court from 1993 to 2023, and from 2003 to 2023 served as Chief Judge of the Arlington County Circuit Court.  

As if Mr. Newman’s talents could not stretch further, he was also a gifted actor and member of the Actor’s Equity and Screen Actors Guild. In 2021, he portrayed playwright August Wilson in the autobiographical How I learned what I learned produced by the local Avant Bard Theatre.  

Arlington has been touched and changed for the better because of Judge William Newman. He was a pillar of our community. His legacy will continue to serve as a beaming example of public service, leadership, and dedication to Arlington.  

Arlington County Board