American Bar Association and discrimination

[friedo]

Back in the day, the ABA did not like to admit black members to their organization, so a bunch of black lawyers formed the National Bar Association in 1925. Obviously these days the ABA is happy to admit persons of any race. I'm trying to find out when this policy was changed; unfortunately the "history" section of the ABA website is rather sparse.

Thanks.

[samclem]

IN a 1943 newspaper article it said Judge James S. Watson of the New York City Municipal Court was elected to membership in the American Bar Association, becoming the first Negro to be admitted to the organization in many years.

So, it must have been before that date.

I'll keep looking.

[samclem]

Rereading my comment above, I'm guilty of what Exapno Mapcase accused me of yesterday. I was intent on finding out who was the first black lawyer admitted rathr than finding out when the general policy of the ABA changed.

But since I did the work, I might as well share. The first black lawyer(s) were admitted in 1912. But, when the Executive Committee found out they were Black, there was a big fight, and the committee attempted to expel them. But the Association overruled the committee and let them stay.

[friedo]

Doin' the bumpty dance.