Billy Mills, the first Black graduate of the UCLA School of Law, is being remembered as a powerful voice for justice, equality, and community service. His decades of work helped shape Los Angeles through law, government, and public leadership.
Mills died on June 27, 2026, at age 96. However, his impact continues through the communities he served and the generations of leaders inspired by his journey.
From becoming a respected attorney to serving on the Los Angeles City Council and later as a judge, Mills dedicated his life to creating opportunities and supporting fairness.
Billy Mills Becomes UCLA School of Law’s First Black Graduate in 1954
Billy Mills’ connection to UCLA began before his legal career. He graduated from UCLA in 1951 and later joined the UCLA School of Law.
In 1954, Mills graduated as the first Black student to complete UCLA School of Law. His achievement represented an important moment for the university and future Black legal professionals.
UCLA School of Law Dean Michael Waterstone praised Mills’ lifelong commitment to service and justice.
“Few members of our law school community better personify UCLA Law’s founding mission of public service and excellence than Billy Mills does,” Waterstone said.
“He brought people together and was a builder of community and defender of justice,” he added.
Black Civil Rights Attorney Billy Mills Helped Shape Los Angeles Leadership
After earning his law degree, Mills built a career focused on helping people and strengthening communities. His legal work reflected his belief that justice should serve everyone.
Later, he entered public service and became one of Los Angeles’ most respected civic leaders. In 1963, Mills was elected to the Los Angeles City Council alongside future mayor Tom Bradley.
The election marked an important moment for Los Angeles. Mills and Bradley were the first Black members elected to the city council.
During his time in office, Mills focused on improving neighborhoods. Many South Los Angeles residents continue to benefit from infrastructure projects he supported, including paved alleys and community improvements.
Billy Mills Helped Los Angeles During the 1965 Watts Uprising
Mills played a major role during one of Los Angeles’ most difficult periods. When the Watts neighborhood experienced a historic uprising in 1965, many residents looked to leaders like Mills for guidance.
At the time, Mills used his position to encourage unity and support solutions for the community. He worked to address challenges affecting residents and promote fairness.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described Mills as a dedicated public servant, civil rights attorney, and jurist.
“Judge Mills was born in Waco, Texas, and raised near a sundown town,” Bass said. “He later built his career in Los Angeles while navigating segregation and racial intolerance, yet he refused to accept that reality as permanent.”
She added that Mills spent his life advancing equal justice and helping build a fairer city.
Judge Billy Mills Continued His Public Service on the Los Angeles Superior Court
After serving on the city council, Mills continued his legal career. Then-Governor Ronald Reagan appointed him to the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Mills served as a judge for more than 20 years. During that time, he continued his commitment to fairness and public service.
His work earned him widespread respect throughout Los Angeles. Many people viewed him as a leader who combined legal knowledge with compassion for communities.
Throughout his career, Mills showed the importance of having diverse voices in positions of influence.
UCLA Honors Billy Mills’ Lifetime of Justice and Community Impact
Over the years, UCLA recognized Mills for his contributions. In 1984, he received the UCLA School of Law Award for outstanding alumni and friends.
In 2003, he received the Public Service Award from the UCLA Alumni Association. His dedication also continues through scholarships created in his name.
The Dr. Rubye and Judge Billy G. Mills Scholarship supports UCLA undergraduate students. Another scholarship helps law students who have overcome major challenges while pursuing legal careers.
In 2025, UCLA’s Black Law Students Association honored Mills during its annual gala. The event raised nearly $100,000 to support Black law students.
Billy Mills’ Legacy Continues Through Future Generations of Leaders
Mills maintained a strong relationship with UCLA throughout his life. He served on the UCLA Foundation’s board of directors and was president of the UCLA Law Alumni Association.
His connection to UCLA was also personal. He met his wife, Rubye, through the university. She earned multiple degrees from UCLA, including an undergraduate degree, master’s degree, and doctorate.
Together, they built a family legacy. Mills is survived by five children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Today, Billy Mills is remembered not only as UCLA Law’s first Black graduate but also as a leader who used education, law, and public service to improve lives.
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