Rock, John S.
1825-1866 · Contribution: 1865
First African American admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court
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Impact on the world
Became the first African American admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1865, a milestone reached the same year the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery nationally.
Life & background
A physician, dentist, and lawyer, Rock became the first African American admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1865, a significant breakthrough achieved the same year slavery was constitutionally abolished in the United States.
Sources
- National Constitution Center (first African American sworn in as Supreme Court lawyer); National Park Service; U.S. House History, Art & Archives
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