Black History and Law: Civil Rights

Black History Month provides a critical opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of African Americans in shaping the legal landscape of our nation. From landmark Supreme Court cases to trailblazing lawyers and activists, Black individuals have played an integral role in challenging discriminatory laws and advancing civil rights. Figures like Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, and the work of organizations such as the NAACP, have been instrumental in breaking down legal barriers and ensuring justice for all. Their efforts have laid the foundation for much of the legal progress we continue to build upon today.

Macarthur Cotton, along with John Obee, Esq., former partner at the firm, has recently published the book Mississippi’s Black Cotton. The civil rights movement is often associated with well-known leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., but it was young Black men and women, like MacArthur Cotton, who risked everything to bring about change. These individuals, often overlooked, were the backbone of the movement—especially in places like Mississippi, the most repressive state, where white supremacy was brutally enforced.  In his book, Cotton, describes following in his activist family's footsteps, worked alongside figures like Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer. He also honors lesser-known activists, such as the Greenes and McGees of Greenwood, who fought their own battles against oppression. Imprisoned multiple times and living in constant fear, Cotton endured immense psychological and emotional scars. Yet, his dedication never wavered. Today, he remains a committed activist, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who fought for justice are never forgotten.