George Edward Chalmer Hayes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George E. C. Hayes
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George E. C. Hayes, Thurgood Marshall, and James Nabrit Jr. in 1954 winning Brown case
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| Born | July 1, 1894 |
| Died | December 20, 1968 (aged 74) |
| Education | Brown University (1915) Howard University School of Law (1918) |
| Known for | Bolling v. Sharpe |
George Edward Chalmers Hayes (born July 1, 1894 – died December 20, 1968) was an important lawyer from Washington, D.C.. He is best known for his work on a major court case called Bolling v. Sharpe in 1954. This case helped end segregation in schools. In 1955, he made history by becoming the first African American to serve on the District of Columbia Public Utilities Commission.
About George E. C. Hayes
George E. C. Hayes was born in Richmond, Virginia. He went to Brown University and graduated in 1915. Later, he earned his law degree from Howard University School of Law in 1918.
After finishing law school, he started teaching at Howard University School of Law in 1924. At the same time, he also worked as a private lawyer in Washington, D.C..
Fighting for Equal Rights
George E. C. Hayes played a key role in the fight for equal rights. In 1954, he was the main lawyer for the case Bolling v. Sharpe. This case was very important. It was connected to another famous case, Brown v. Board of Education. Both cases aimed to end segregation in schools. Segregation meant that Black and white students had to go to separate schools.
Hayes argued that denying Black students the chance to attend schools with white students was unfair. He said it went against their "due process" rights. These rights are part of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Brown v. Board of Education case used the "Equal Protection Clause" of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Both amendments protect people's rights under the law.
On March 11, 1954, George E. C. Hayes also defended Annie Lee Moss in a separate case.
A Historic Appointment
In 1955, George E. C. Hayes achieved another important milestone. He became the first African American to join the District of Columbia Public Utilities Commission. This commission helps make sure that public services like electricity and water are fair for everyone. His appointment was a big step forward for civil rights.
George E. C. Hayes passed away on December 20, 1968. His work as a lawyer helped change laws and improve fairness for many people.
