Wiley Manuel

Wiley William Manuel (August 28, 1927–January 5, 1981) was an associate justice on the Supreme Court of California from 1977 to 1981 and the first African American to serve on the high court.

Governor Jerry Brown appointed Manuel on February 12, 1977. Manuel served on the court for only four years before he succumbed to stomach cancer. Manuel was known for his dedication to pro bono work. There is a pro bono award named after him awarded by the State Bar of California each year. The Wiley Manuel Courthouse, part of the Alameda County Superior Court, was named after him.

In 1953, Manuel attended Hastings College of Law and successfully received his Bachelor of Law degree. He also served as Editor in Chief of the Hastings Law Journal.

He was married to Eleanor Manuel and she currently resides in Oakland, CA. He was survived by his wife, Eleanor, whom he married in 1948, and their two children, Yvonne and Gary Manuel.

In honor of Wiley Manuel, there is a non-profit scholarship foundation in Northern California and an Oakland courthouse in his name.

Manuel died in 1981.

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