Via Pixabay
With a Master’s degree under his belt, George Vashon applied to the Pennsylvania Bar to become a lawyer. But he was refused - because, in the 1840s, Black people weren’t even considered citizens!
He didn’t let this stop him from making his dream a reality. Vashon went to New York, where he passed the Bar and became one of the first Black lawyers in America. His struggle to become a lawyer, despite having all the credentials, inspired him to support the next generation.
An institution that could educate and train Black lawyers could have a much larger impact than if he just practiced himself. So he dedicated himself to Black education.
He taught at and led a number of universities, including Howard - where he also set up Howard Law School! This move paved the way for the countless Black lawyers, judges, and politicians who eventually graduated from Howard Law - like Thurgood Marshall.
Vashon didn’t stop there - he was also active in the Underground Railroad, contributed to Frederick Douglass’ abolitionist newspaper The North Star, and was an accomplished poet.
He never gave up in pursuit of his vision of Black liberation. When racism puts up barriers to halt our progress, we have to get creative - an alternate path may lead to even bigger and more incredible things!