George Heriot DeReef facts for kids
George Heriot DeReef (September 5, 1869 – August 14, 1937) was an important American lawyer and leader in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He worked hard to protect civil rights, which are the basic rights and freedoms every person should have. He was also a successful businessman and ran for political office. DeReef was the president of the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP, a famous group that fights for equal rights for Black people.
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Biography
Early Life and Education
George DeReef was born in Charleston, South Carolina. His parents were Joseph Moulton Francis DeReef and Georgina Oldfield. He went to public schools in Charleston. After that, he studied at Claflin University. He then earned a special degree called an A.B. from Howard University.
DeReef continued his education at Howard University Law School. He graduated in 1905 with a law degree (an LL.B.). After law school, he worked for a judge named Robert H. Terrell in Washington, D.C. This experience helped him prepare for his own law career.
A Lawyer in Milwaukee
After working in Washington, D.C., George DeReef moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There, he became one of only a few African American lawyers in the city. He opened his own law office in the Empire Building. Being a lawyer meant he helped people understand and use the law, often representing them in court.
Leading the Fight for Equality
George DeReef was a strong voice for change and fairness in his community. He believed everyone should be treated equally, no matter their race.
Working with the NAACP
DeReef led the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP is a very important organization that works to end unfair treatment and discrimination against Black Americans. They fight for equal rights in areas like education, jobs, and voting. A writer named J. Clay Smith, Jr. described DeReef as "a progressive force in the community." This means DeReef was always pushing for positive changes and improvements for Black people in Milwaukee. He worked hard to advance their rights.
Community and Political Efforts
DeReef was involved in many important events and organizations. In 1913, he was a delegate at the Emancipation Liberation Exposition in New York City. This event celebrated the freedom of formerly enslaved people. In 1915, he led the Wisconsin Commission for the Half-Century Anniversary Celebration of Negro Freedom in Chicago. These events helped remember and celebrate the progress made since slavery ended.
He also served as the president of the Columbia Building and Loan Association in Milwaukee. This was a business that helped people get loans for homes and other needs. He was also a director for the Milwaukee Urban League. The Urban League is another organization that helps Black people, often by connecting them with jobs, housing, and education.
In 1924, George DeReef decided to get involved in politics. He won the Republican primary election for the state legislature in Milwaukee's sixth district. The state legislature is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state. Although he won the primary, he did not win the main election.
Lasting Impact
George DeReef lived at 774 Hubbard Street in Milwaukee. He passed away on August 14, 1937, in Milwaukee. His work as a lawyer, civil rights leader, and community organizer left a lasting impact on Milwaukee and helped advance the cause of equality for African Americans.
