Born: 1912 (Montgomery County, Alabama)
Died: 2007
Biography:
Mahala Ashley Dickerson (October 12, 1912 – February 19, 2007) was an American lawyer and civil rights advocate for women and minorities. She played a significant role in breaking racial and gender barriers in the legal profession during the mid-20th century. Throughout her career, Dickerson demonstrated immense resilience and determination, paving the way for future generations of women attorneys and becoming an inspiration for her commitment to social justice.
Born in rural Montgomery County, Alabama, on October 12, 1912, to Hattie and John Augustine Ashley, Mahala Ashley grew up in a racially segregated society. Her father owned a general store, and she was raised with her two sisters, Erna and Harriette. During her early years, Ashley attended Montgomery Industrial School for Girls, where she crossed paths with Rosa Parks, who would become a lifelong friend and play a crucial role in the civil rights movement.
In 1935, Ashley graduated cum laude from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, with a degree in sociology. The university provided her with a solid education and a firm foundation to pursue her dreams of becoming a lawyer. However, her path to achieving this goal was not without obstacles.
Following her divorce from her first husband, Henry Dickerson, in 1939, Mahala Ashley enrolled at Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice as an African American woman, she persevered and graduated cum laude in 1948. She was one of only four women to graduate in her class, highlighting the scarcity of opportunities for women in the legal profession at the time.
In 1948, Mahala Ashley Dickerson made history by becoming the first African American female attorney admitted to the Alabama State Bar. She established law offices in Montgomery and Tuskegee, Alabama, where she practiced law for the next three years. In 1951, after marrying Frank R. Beckwith, an Indianapolis attorney, she relocated to Indiana and became the second African American woman to be admitted to the Indiana bar.
Throughout her career, Dickerson faced discrimination, both as a woman and as a person of color. However, she remained steadfast in her commitment to justice and equality. Her fierce determination and exceptional legal skills made her a respected figure within the legal community, ultimately helping to break down barriers for future generations of African American attorneys.
Dickerson’s influence extended beyond her individual achievements. In 1983, she made history once again by becoming the first African American to be elected president of the National Association of Women Lawyers. Her presidency marked a turning point for the organization, further promoting diversity and inclusivity within the legal profession.
For her outstanding contributions and groundbreaking achievements in the field of law, Mahala Ashley Dickerson was named a Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement honoree by the American Bar Association in 1995. This esteemed recognition celebrated her significant impact on the legal landscape and emphasized her dedication to advancing women’s rights and minority representation within the field.
Mahala Ashley Dickerson’s lifelong commitment to justice and equality serves as a powerful example for future generations. Throughout her professional career, she shattered racial and gender barriers, leaving an enduring legacy in the legal field and making a significant contribution to women’s history.
Awards:
– Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement honoree (1995)