Ferdinand Q. Morton facts for kids
Ferdinand Q. Morton (born in 1881, died in 1949) was an important American political leader. He lived during a special time called the Harlem Renaissance in Harlem, a famous neighborhood in New York City.
About His Life
Ferdinand Q. Morton's parents, Edward James Morton and Mattie Shelton Morton, were people who had been enslaved in Mississippi.
Education and Early Career
Ferdinand Morton went to Harvard University. He almost graduated but was just a little bit short due to a rule change. He also studied law for about a year and a half at Boston University School of Law.
Morton started his work in politics by helping with a presidential campaign for a Democrat named William Jennings Bryan. This campaign did not win. In 1910, he passed a special test called the Bar. Passing this test meant he could become a lawyer in New York State.
Political Leadership
Morton joined a group called the United Colored Democracy (UCD). This was an organization for African-American people in New York City. The UCD worked with the main Democratic Party group in New York City, which was known as Tammany Hall.
In 1915, Ferdinand Morton became the leader of the UCD. This was a big step in his political career.
Helping His Community
In 1922, Morton was chosen to be part of the New York City Civil Service Commission. He was the very first African-American person to join this important commission. He worked there for 26 years. During his time, Morton used his influence to help many African-American judges get appointed to their positions.
