Earl Broady facts for kids

Earl Clifford Broady (1904–1992) was an important figure in Los Angeles, California. He was a talented judge, a skilled attorney, a dedicated police officer, and even a gifted pianist! He joined the police department in 1927. Later, he became a Deputy District Attorney and then a respected judge.

Earl Broady also loved music. He led his own jazz band called Broady's Hot Footers. He made history by becoming the first African American person in a top leadership role in the District Attorney's office. People knew him as a very fair and wise judge who handled many important and complex cases.

Early Life and Giving Back

Earl Broady often spoke about his humble beginnings. He once said he was "born on the wrong side of the tracks," meaning he grew up in a challenging area. He started working at just 13 years old as a janitor. In his younger years, he also worked as a mail carrier. Besides his jobs, he was an amazing pianist and led his own band.

Later in his life, Broady became known for his philanthropy. This means he was very generous and gave a lot of money to help others and support good causes. He wanted to make a difference in his community.

A Career of Firsts

Earl Broady joined the Los Angeles Police Department in 1927. He quickly rose through the ranks. He became one of the first African American police officers to reach the high positions of Lieutenant and Watch Commander in the Los Angeles Police Force. This was a big achievement at a time when opportunities were limited for many.

While working as a police officer, Broady continued his education. He took night classes at the University of Southern California (USC) and the Los Angeles College of Law. In 1944, he left the police department to become a lawyer. His dedication paid off! He was elected president of the Criminal Courts Bar Association of Los Angeles, an organization for lawyers who work in criminal law. He then became the Chief Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County.

On June 7, 1965, Earl Broady was appointed to be a judge on the Los Angeles Superior Court. He served there until he retired in 1978. Judge Broady also played a role on the McCone Commission. This group looked into the reasons behind community unrest in Los Angeles and suggested ways to improve things.

He showed his generosity by donating $1 million to Howard University. He made this gift to honor Curtis C. Taylor, a Los Angeles lawyer whose office was where Broady first started his legal career.