Black History Month Highlight: Macon B. Allen

This week, I am continuing the Black History Month Highlight series and introducing you to Macon B. Allen. Although Mr. Allen may not be as well known as Thurgood Marshall, his accomplishments are equally if not more noteworthy, especially considering that the majority of his accomplishments occurred before the abolition of slavery and before African Americans were considered as more than property! Here is a list of some of his accolades:

1. Growing up, Allen taught himself how to read and write.
2. On July 3, 1844, he became the 1st African American licensed to practice law in the United States after passing the Maine Bar Exam ( Allen accomplished this despite not be recognized as a citizen).
3. Became the 1st African American licensed to practice law in the State of Massachusetts.
4. Believed to be the 1st African American to sit in a judiciary position (Allen served as Justice of the Peace in Massachusetts after passing an exam).
5. Was a partner in the 1st African American owned law firm.

Next week, I will highlight another African American who made a large impact on the entire legal landscape. If you would like to know more about Macon B. Allen, the best thing to do is to read and research more for yourself!

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James J. Hux is the Owner and Sole Attorney at Hux Law Firm, LLC. His practice areas include employment discrimination, personal injury, and general civil litigation throughout the State of Ohio.