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University of Maryland, Harvard, Yale, Boston University, New York and Dickerson are all represented. Of course, Howard University gradu-ates far outnumber the others. Practically every type of case has been within the practices of these men and almost every court within our set up, has had cases within them represented by Negro counsellors. They have, in course of this experience, met some of the most able lawyers of other races and its no uncommon thing for the lawyers of color to win. As suggested, the place of the Negro attorney, as a trial lawyer, has already been assured.
From the rare instances calling for disciplinary action, it is quite evident that the professon has attracted a very high calibre of fine men; that they regard the profession as an exalted one and their position as a challenge and privilege, is quite manifest.
Aside from just opening the Bar to the Negro lawyer with the right to make a living, and of demonstrating his ability to qualify for this exalted profession, the Negro lawyer has used this opportunity to make valuable contributions to the larger life of the State as a whole and his own group in particular. He has helped usher in a broader concept of freedom and has played a part in removing the veil of prejudice and narrowness and of allowing newer vistas.
Quite naturally, the Negro lawyer has given much of his thought and time to the improvement of opportunities for members of his race where discrimination and segregation were in evidence, and, of opening up avenues for greater improvements, where his legal and technical training could make this possible.
One of the first contributions through Court action by a Negro lawyer at the Maryland Bar, came shortly after this was opened to him. Four persons undertook travel by boat to Norfolk. The rank discrimi-nation and segregation were next to unbearable. Suit was entered by the new comers to the Bar for damages for their clients. The case is a celebrated one and was tried before the Federal Courts of the district and is known as The Steamer Sue case.11
Not only were damages awarded, but great reforms in travel were made. The Court held that while segregation may be made, that equal accomodation in travel must be given. The attorneys aquitted themselves with glory.
In a similar fashion, improvements were made in labor conditions for our people, as a result of the handling of the Navassa Riot cases. It will be recalled that back in the 80's much guano was secured from Navassa Island.12 Hordes of our group, mostly ignorant, and in some cases, vile persons, were carried there and worked under conditions com-parable to slavery. They were ruled with rods of iron. In time, these poor souls could stand it no longer and rebelled. In the riots that fol-lowed, some of the officials were killed and several of the laborers were
11 Steamer Sue Case (22 Federal Reports)
12 See "Navassa Island Riot" pubished by Gallilean Fishermen. Also Baltimore Sun, Sun, Dec. 3-4, 1889.
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