Edward Richard Dudley facts for kids

Edward Richard Dudley (March 11, 1911 – February 8, 2005) was an important American lawyer, judge, and civil rights leader. He made history as the first African-American to become an Ambassador of the United States. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia from 1949 to 1953.

Edward Dudley's Early Life and Education

Edward Dudley was born on March 11, 1911, in South Boston, Virginia. His parents were Edward Richard and Nellie Dudley.

He went to Johnson C. Smith College, earning a science degree in 1932. While there, he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. After college, he taught school in Gainsboro, Virginia. He also studied dentistry for a year at Howard University before moving to New York City.

Starting a Career in New York

In New York, Edward Dudley worked different jobs. He even worked as a stage manager for famous director Orson Welles on a public theater project.

In 1938, he began studying law at St. John's University School of Law. He earned his law degree in 1941. After that, he started his own law practice. He also became involved in politics in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City. In 1942, he became an assistant New York State attorney general. That same year, he married Rae Oley, and they had a son named Edward R. Dudley III.

Fighting for Civil Rights

In 1943, Edward Dudley joined the legal team of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP is a well-known civil rights organization.

As an assistant special counsel, he worked on important cases. He helped write legal documents to allow black students into colleges in the Southern U.S. He also fought for black teachers to receive equal pay. Additionally, he worked to end unfair treatment in public transportation.

Public Service and Diplomacy

From 1945 to 1947, Dudley served as an executive assistant to the governor of the Virgin Islands.

In 1948, President Harry S. Truman appointed him as a minister to Liberia. A minister is a type of diplomat who represents their country. The next year, in 1949, he was promoted to ambassador. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another nation.

After returning to the U.S. in 1953, he continued practicing law. He also directed the NAACP's Freedom Fund, which helped support civil rights cases. In 1955, the mayor of New York City, Robert F. Wagner, Jr., appointed him as a justice in the Domestic Relations Court. This court handles family-related legal matters.

Leadership Roles in New York

Edward Dudley served as the Borough President of Manhattan from 1961 to 1964. A borough president is an elected official who leads one of New York City's five boroughs. They help manage local government and represent their borough's residents.

In 1962, he ran for attorney general for New York State. The attorney general is the state's chief legal officer. He was the candidate for the Democratic and Liberal parties but was not elected. He also served as a delegate at the 1964 Democratic National Convention.

In November 1964, Edward Dudley was elected as a justice of the New York State Supreme Court. He served in this important judicial role from 1965 until he retired in 1985.

Later Life and Legacy

Edward Dudley passed away on February 8, 2005, at the age of 93. He died from prostate cancer in a hospital in Manhattan. He was survived by his wife, his son, two brothers, and three grandchildren.

The Dudley family spent their summers in the SANS community in Sag Harbor Hills. They bought their property there in the 1950s. Their family cottage is still used by the Dudley family today.

In 2022, Edward Dudley was featured in a PBS documentary called The American Diplomat. This film explores the lives and contributions of several African-American ambassadors.

See also

• Harlem Clubhouse