Posted Date: 04/26/2024
On February 15, 1851, Robert Morris became one of the first black lawyers in the United States after being admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1847. Morris was born in Salem, Massachusetts on June 8, 1823. At an early age, he had some formal education at Master Dodge’s School in Salem. With the agreement of his family, he became the student of Ellis Gray Loring, a well-known abolitionist and lawyer.
Shortly after starting his practice in Boston, Morris became the first black lawyer to file a lawsuit on behalf of a client in the history of the nation. A jury ruled in favor of Morris’s client, though the details of the trial are unknown. Morris, however, recorded his feelings and observations about his first jury trial:
“There was something in the courtroom that made me feel like a giant. The courtroom was filled with people of color, and I could see, expressed on the faces of every one of them, a wish that I might win the first case that had ever been tried before a jury by an attorney of color in this county…”
On February 15, 1968, Henry Lewis becomes the first African American to lead a symphony orchestra in the United States.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors- There will be a Youth Trades Academy information meeting at lunch this Friday. If you’re curious about the construction trades like carpentry, electrical and welding then bring your lunch and join guest speaker Lee Kounovsky from the Trades Academy in the STEM conference room.
Join us this Friday for Bunco in the CHS cafeteria. Games start at 6:30 and no experience is required! Tickets are being sold at lunch this week. 5$ presale or $8 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.