Edwin Henry Hackley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin H. Hackley
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| Born | September 11, 1859 |
| Died | July 11, 1940 (aged 80) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | lawyer, newspaper publisher and playwright |
| Known for | First African American lawyer admitted to the bar in Colorado |
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Notable work
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The Ambassador |
| Spouse(s) | Emma Azalia Hackley |
Edwin Henry Hackley (1859–1940) was an important American lawyer, writer, and activist. He made history as the first African American lawyer allowed to practice law in Colorado in 1883. He also worked as a newspaper publisher and wrote a musical play. Hackley was a strong supporter of civil rights for African Americans. He worked to create more opportunities for them.
Early Life and Education
Edwin Hackley was born on September 11, 1859, in Romeo, Michigan. His parents were John and Susan Hackley. As a child, he had a serious lung illness. This health issue affected him even when he grew up. He grew up in a middle-class family in Romeo.
After finishing high school, Hackley went to the University of Michigan. He studied law there. Because of his health, he did a lot of his schoolwork from home. He worked hard to earn his law degree.
On January 29, 1894, Edwin Hackley married Emma A. Smith. She later became known as Emma Azalia Hackley. Before their marriage, Emma was a teacher. She later became a talented singer and music teacher.
A Career in Law and Publishing
After getting his law degree, Hackley was allowed to practice law in Michigan in 1883. Soon after, he moved to Colorado. On June 7, 1883, he became the first African American lawyer in Colorado. He joined the Colorado Bar Association.
By 1886, Hackley had fully moved to Denver. He worked as the Denver County Clerk for a while. He also tried to practice law and argue cases in court. However, he did not get enough clients to keep his law practice going. He then worked as an Abstract Clerk for nearly 14 years.
In 1892, Hackley became the editor and publisher of The Colorado Statesman. This newspaper was for the African American–Republican community in Denver. He published his poem Who Led These Men in newspapers in 1900. The poem was about the bravery of U.S. Army soldiers. His wife, Azalia, helped edit the women's section of the paper. Hackley sold the paper in 1898 but stayed on as editor until 1901.
Later, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, he focused on writing. He wrote a musical comedy play called The Ambassador. This play was performed in cities like Pittsburgh and Denver. In 1930, he published a travel guide. It was called Hackley & Harrison's hotel and apartment guide for colored travelers. This guide came out six years before The Negro Motorist Green Book, another famous guide for Black travelers.
Working for Change
Edwin Hackley believed strongly in civil rights. He wanted African Americans to have more opportunities. He also wanted them to have equal rights.
He was a member of the Colored Odd Fellowship. By 1898, he held a high position in this group.
A book about his life was published in 2003. It is called A Biography of Edwin Henry Hackley 1859-1940: African-American Attorney and Activist.
See also
- List of first minority male lawyers and judges in Colorado
- List of African American pioneers of Colorado
