2023 North Carolina Awards: Congressman G.K. Butterfield

Born and raised in the heart of Wilson, N.C., G.K. Butterfield’s journey from a family rooted in service to a distinguished career in law, politics, and advocacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his community and the principles he holds dear. Butterfield completed high school in Wilson before earning both a bachelor’s degree and law degree from North Carolina Central University in Durham. In 1975, he founded a law practice in Wilson with partners Milton Fitch and Quentin Sumner. Butterfield was elected as Resident Superior Court judge in 1988 and later served briefly as Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. In 2004, Butterfield was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served until 2022. Throughout, he tirelessly represented the constituents of North Carolina's 1st Congressional District. He served on the Energy and Commerce and House Administration committees, and chaired the Congressional Black Caucus from 2015-2017.