Koger, A. Briscoe "The Negro Lawyer In Maryland" Image No: 12 Enlarge and print image (54K) |
Koger, A. Briscoe "The Negro Lawyer In Maryland" Image No: 12 Enlarge and print image (54K) |
one made a very creditable showing when seeking election as Senator of the United States. While none of these were elected, their efforts heightened the interest of Negroes in voting and contributed to a greater unity in political thinking. The late Harry S. Cummings was for many years, a great factor in politics and held great power with officials of his party. He was several times elected to the City Council and served as a delegate to one or more of the Republican National Conventions. He seconded the nomination of Theodore Roosevelt as president of the United States. One served on the Judiciary Com-mittee; one on the Liquor Board. Four, in all, have been elected to the City Council. Three have been appointed as Assistant City Solicitor. Two or three of the members of the Bar were officers within the Army during the war, while several served as soldiers in one of the wars; two or three have been named Justices of the Peace. One is on the Board of School Commissioners of Baltimore City and one is on the Trustee Board of Morgan State College; one served as a member of the Draft Boards. In practically every drive, for member-ship, or funds, within the important affairs of community life, one or more may be found working. IN CHURCH LIFE In all of his success and advancement, the Negro lawyer has never forsaken the church. Perhaps, in per centage, he stands highest of all profesional persons within the State in church connections. Practi-cally all of the lawyers here are identified with some Religious body; many of these are active within the boards and in other official capacity. Two or three are trustees; two, have served as super-intendents of Sunday Schools. One sings on a choir; one has served as State president of a Sunday School Convention. One was treasurer of an Aged Folk's Home; one is attorney for the general Convention of one Denomination and has written a history of the denomination within the State. One, or two have served as president of Young People's leagues and forums and two or three have served as ushers within their churches. No, the Negro attorney has not left the church. And, it may be fairly stated that the Negro church has appreciated the Negro lawyer. Most of the churches employ Negro counsel when such is needed and his advice is sought and appreciated when such has been advisable. In a similar fashion the business man has stuck to the Negro lawyer. Most of the business men employ such when they are deemed necessary. It is pointed out with pride that the two largest businesses14 to be developed within our State, grew and expanded under the advice of Negro counsel. For many many years the Negro lawyers of Maryland have main-tained a Bar Association. The members of the Monumental City Bar Association have sought to foster a program to best promote a fellowship and spirit of goodwill among the fellow members, and, at the same 14 The Afro-American Newspapers and the Mutual Benefit Society. 11 |