People, Locations, Episodes

The First Black Law Practice in America Opens

*It was on this date in 1845, Macon B. Allen and Robert Morris Jr. contracted their law firm and became the first Blacks to practice law in America.

They opened their practice on May 3rd of that year in Massachusetts.

John L. Waller, Lawyer, and Journalist born

*John L. Waller was born on this date in 1850. He was a Black lawyer, politician, journalist, publisher, businessman, military leader, and diplomat.  John Lewis Waller was born into slavery in New Madrid County, Missouri. At the end of the American Civil War, he moved with his family to a farm in Tama County, Iowa. […]

Charlotte Ray, Teacher, and Attorney born

This date marks the birth of Charlotte E. Ray in 1850. She was a Black teacher and the first Black female lawyer in the United States.

The Act For The Government and Protection of Indians is Enacted

*On this date in 1850, the Act for the Government and Protection of Indians (Chapter 133, Cal. Stats.) was enacted. It was introduced by the first session of the California State Legislature and signed into law by the first Governor of California, Peter Hardeman Burnett. The legislation led to the forced servitude of many Native Americans […]

Emanuel Hewlett, Lawyer, Judge, and Activist born

*Emanuel Hewlett was born on this date in 1850. He was a Black attorney, judge, and civil rights activist. Emanuel D. Molyneaux Hewlett was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 15, 1850, the son of Aaron Molyneaux Hewlett and Virginia Josephine Molyneaux Hewlett. He had two sisters, Virginia Lind and Aaronella, and two brothers, […]

Strader v. Graham is Ruled

*On this date in 1851, we celebrate Strader v. Graham, 51 U.S. 82 court verdict.   This United States Supreme Court decision held that the status of three slaves who went from Kentucky to Indiana and Ohio depended on Kentucky law rather than Ohio law. The original plaintiff was Christopher Graham, whose three slaves had […]

The California Fugitive Labor Act is Passed

*On this date, 1852, the California Fugitive Labor Act was passed. Two years after California entered the union as a free state, this law lasted only three years.   Slavery in the territory of California had been a debated issue since Spanish conquistadors explored the region in the 18th century. The California Fugitive Labor Act was passed […]

Thomas M. Stewart, Liberian Administrator born

Thomas McCants Stewart was born on this date in 1854. He was a Black attorney, educator, and minister.

He was born in Charleston, SC. After graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1875, he practiced law in Columbia. Stewart then became a professor of mathematics in the State Agricultural College, in Orangeburg.

The Dred Scott Case is Ruled

*On this date in 1857, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the Dred Scott Case. It is believed by many to have been a key cause of the American Civil War, and of the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, leading to the end of slavery and the beginning of civil rights for freed African slaves.

Robert Terrell, Teacher, and Judge born

*Robert Terrell was born on this date in 1857. He was a Black attorney, teacher, and judge.   Robert Heberton Terrell was born in Orange, Virginia, to parents Harrison and Louisa Ann Terrell. The family moved to Washington, DC, in 1865 after the American Civil War and emancipation ended. His father, Harrison Terrell, worked for a prominent […]

A Black Slave Is Freed In A California Court Room

*On this date in 1858, a Black man, Archy Lee, was freed in California. Archy Lee was a Black slave in Mississippi owned by his white-American owner, Charles Stovall. Stovall brought Lee to Sacramento, California, on October 2, 1857. While in California, Stovall rented out Lee for his wages. In January 1858, when Stovall decided […]

William Morris Sr., Lawyer, and Professor, born

 *This date in 1859 is celebrated as the birth date of William R. Morris, Sr., a Black professor and lawyer. William Richard Morris was born into slavery in Flemingsburg, KY. He was the son of Hezekiah (a slave) and Elizabeth Hopkins Morris (free) and the brother of Edward H. Morris. Hezekiah bought his freedom and […]

Everett J. Waring, Businessman and Lawyer born.

*Everett Waring was born on this date in 1859. He was a Black businessman and lawyer. Everett J. Waring, the son of Malvina C. and James S. Waring, was born in Springfield, Ohio. His father was an educator and principal of Black schools in Columbus and Springfield. Everett, whose mother and father were mulatto, was […]

Warner T. McGuinn, Lawyer born

*The birth of Warner T. McGuinn on November 23rd 1859 is celebrated on this date. He was an African American lawyer and politician.

From Goochland County, near Richmond, Virginia, he was one of three sons of Jared and Fannie McGuinn. His older brother the Rev. Robert A. McGuinn was also born in Virginia and moved to Baltimore. A half-brother, the Rev. William M. Alexander (1852-1919), was pastor of Sharon Baptist Church in Baltimore and the first editor of the Baltimore Afro-American.

The Emancipation Reform of Russia is Enacted

*The Emancipation Reform of Russia, also known as the Edict of Emancipation of Russia, was enacted on this date in 1861. It was the first and most crucial liberal reform enacted during the reign of Emperor Alexander II of Russia. The reform effectively abolished serfdom throughout the Russian Empire. The 1861 Emancipation Manifesto proclaimed the […]