From the Bench to the Big Screen: Adams Documentary Wins Award

A documentary of the story of a local judge has traveled from coast to coast and brought back awards.

The story of historical firsts achieved by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry Lee Adams, who was born and raised on Jacksonville’s Eastside, was the focus of “Conversations on Catfish, Courtrooms, and Change: The Life and Times of Henry Lee Adams, Jr.”

The documentary was co-directed by Jacksonville attorney William “Bill” Sheppard and his son, Lang, of Stunt Dog Productions. Adams partnered with Sheppard, Lyman Fletcher, Jack Hand and Hugh Carithers, now a circuit judge, in 1972 to form one of the first integrated law firms in the state.

“Judge Adams is a piece of history and should be memorialized,” said Sheppard.

The documentary describes Adams’ experiences growing up in a segregated society and his pursuit of justice through his legal career.