|
the mere number of cases handled, or alone from the decisions obtained. Sometimes a protest, the threat of a suit, the filing of a suit, a caucus, or committee meeting; sometimes a conference, or straight forward pre-sentation of the issues involved, has brought about a reform, changed an attitude or rule, or at least, started a different approach.15
As valuable as are these and similar decisions in Maryland, perhaps after all is said, the greatest worth of the Negro lawyer in Maryland has not been before the Courts at all. His advice behind closed doors may of wisdom, his technical training and guidance to our leaders in every far outweigh these court matters. His counsel and advice, his words field of endeavor, his analysis, views, opinion, and his warnings and admonitions, have, perhaps, aided the race as a whole, to a far greater extent than the cases he has actually marshalled though the courts. He has had a definite share in the development of all phases of our growth and expansion.
IN ORGANIZATIONS
A survey of the associations and organizations will disclose that the Negro lawyer has contributed a very large share in their marvelous usefulness. Practically all of the Fraternal orders have relied on the Negro attorney to guide and direct them in their legal matters. The same may be said of our churches. When one recalls that it is very largely through these two sources that most of our forefathers received their early training in parlimentary usage and in business affairs, one will appreciate that this has been a definite contribution from the legally trained minds.
Not only have the Negro lawyers served as advisors, but they have given of their time and talent in the management of these societies. They have served as officers and have risen, in numbers of cases, to the titular heads within the State. Serveral have risen to National importance. For example, one local attorney at one time was Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks; another served in another National office of this same order. Another lawyer for many years was the first officer of a branch of the Knights of Pythias; one has served as National attorney for a branch of the Masons. In Greek letter Fraternities this pattern also may be observed. An attorney here for years was National Director of an Achievement program by one of these frater-nities, others have served in other capacities. In the American Legion two have served as Vice-Commanders of the Department of Maryland, some have been on the Executive Committee and have represented the Legion at National sessions. Two were members of the Niagara Move-ment way back in its day. Others have played important parts in the NAACP: one has been president of the Baltimore Chapter.
IN POLITICS
In politics some headway has been made by the Negro lawyers in Maryland. Serveral have run for office. Two or three ran for the House of Delegates, one for the State Senate, and a few years ago,
10
|
