Born: 1882 (London, England)
Died: 1937
Biography:
Violette Neatley Anderson (July 16, 1882 – December 24, 1937) was a pioneering African-American lawyer who defied societal expectations and became the first African-American woman to practice law before the United States Supreme Court. Her groundbreaking achievements and tireless advocacy cemented her place in history as a trailblazer for both women and African Americans, as she fought for justice and equal rights in a time of deep-seated discrimination.
Born in London, England in 1882, Violette Neatley Anderson later moved to Chicago with her family when she was still a young child. She exhibited a remarkable intellect early on, and after graduating from North Division High School in 1899, she continued her education at the Chicago Athenaeum. It was during her time as a court reporter from 1905 to 1920 that Anderson first developed an interest in law, witnessing the power and impact lawyers had in the courtroom.
In pursuit of her newfound passion, Anderson attended the Chicago Seminar of Sciences between 1912 and 1915, where she honed her legal knowledge and skills. Her determination and commitment to her studies led her to obtain her LL.B. from the Chicago Law School in 1920, making her one of the first African-American women to graduate from law school in Illinois.
Throughout her career, Anderson faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but her unwavering resolve propelled her to overcome them. She opened her own private practice after graduating from law school, setting the stage for a career filled with groundbreaking achievements. In 1922, she shattered another barrier by becoming the first female City Prosecutor for Chicago, a position she held until 1923.
On January 29, 1926, Anderson achieved a historic milestone when she became the first Black woman to be admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. This landmark achievement not only opened doors for future generations of African-American women in the legal profession but also highlighted Anderson’s remarkable legal prowess and determination.
In addition to her groundbreaking achievements, Anderson also operated a court reporting agency, served as an assistant prosecuting attorney, and became vice-president of the Cook County Bar Association from 1920 to 1926. Her exemplary career and tireless efforts in the legal field made her a respected and influential figure both within her community and in legal circles.
Outside of her legal practice, Anderson dedicated herself to advocating for the rights and economic mobility of sharecroppers in the South. She played a pivotal role in testifying in favor of the Bankhead-Jones Act and lobbied the US Congress for its support in 1936. This legislation aimed to provide sharecroppers and tenant farmers with low-interest loans to buy small farms, effectively empowering them to transition from impoverished agricultural workers to independent farm owners. Anderson’s passionate advocacy and persistence ultimately led to the signing of the Bankhead-Jones Act into law in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Violette Neatley Anderson’s contributions to the legal profession and her relentless fight for justice and equal rights have left an indelible mark on American history. Her achievements shattered racial and gender barriers, paving the way for future generations and inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal constraints. Anderson’s legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the extraordinary strength and resilience of those who fight for justice and equality.