GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Judge Henry Frye is set to be honored on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in Richmond County.
Frye was born in Richmond County in 1932, and eventually became North Carolina's first African-American Supreme Court Justice.
He graduated with top honors from North Carolina A&T State University, became a U.S. Air Force Captain, and then became a lawyer among many other things.
Chief Justic Henry Frye is a long time resident of Greensboro.
He said, while life hasn't been easy, he focuses on the good.
"I could have talked about all the bad things that happened, but I didn't see the need in doing all of that. I try to be positive when I can," said Frye.
The state honored Judge Frye today by naming a bridge after him in his home town of Ellerby - just north of Rockingham.
You can find it on Green Lake Road, which passes over Interstate 73.
The state DOT say it's the highest honor they give anyone, and he's earned it. At the top of the list of his accomplishments? Becoming the first African-American man elected to the general assembly in North Carolina, and becoming the first African-American North Carolina Supreme Court Justice.
But, when we asked Justice Frye about his life, he summed it up by quoting his old Principal from Ellerby.
"Make every occasion a great one, because you know not when fate has chosen your name for a higher purpose," said Frye.
Frye's wife, Shirley-- is very active in the community too.
She, and family members from all over the nation were there, for the ceremony.
Governor Roy Cooper was also there, and spoke about Frye's accomplishments.
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