ARLINGTON, Va. — The Arlington community is mourning the loss of a man who spent decades in public service and spent a lifetime working to make our world a better place. Retired Judge William Newman Jr. died Tuesday at his home, WUSA9 has learned. 

Newman was the first Black person to serve on the Arlington County Board. He served as a judge for 30 years, and he founded the Arlington Community Foundation, which works with nonprofits to help people in need. That’s just some of the highlights from his lifetime of civic work. 

Newman was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and performed on stage across the D.C. region. 

In a statement announcing Newman’s passing, the Arlington County Board called Newman “a pillar of the community” and “a beaming example of public service.”