150 Years of Human Rights in Minnesota Events from 1889 to 1927
1889 Fredrick McGhee, Minnesota's first black attorney, argues
his first case; in 1927 ten young African Americans created the
Credjafawn Social Club. Narrative & Key Events Events from 1889
to 1927 1889 LAWYER FREDRICK MCGHEE ARGUES FIRST CASE IN
MINNESOTA Fredrick McGhee was Minnesota's first black attorney,
taking the oath on June 17, 1889, shortly after arriving in St.
Paul, and arguing his first case less than a month later. For
McGee, there would be many firsts -- in life, law, and politics.
He became involved immediately in challenging Jim Crow laws in
the courts. And with W.E.B. DuBois and other black leaders, in
1904 he formed the Niagara Movement -- the forerunner of the
NAACP. His views were often at odds with the majority, including
the majority of blacks, who were Republicans -- McGhee was a
Democrat, and unlike most blacks, a Catholic. Yet throughout his
life, he remained true to his own beliefs, and a tireless
advocate for the righ