Harold A. Stevens facts for kids
Harold Arnoldus Stevens (born October 19, 1907 – died November 9, 1990) was an American lawyer and judge. He made history by serving on important courts in New York, including the New York Court of Appeals.
Early Life and Education
Harold Stevens was born on October 19, 1907, in Johns Island, South Carolina. His parents were William F. Stevens and Lilla L. (Johnson) Stevens. When Harold was three, his father passed away. He then moved to Columbia, South Carolina with his mother and grandparents.
He attended Claflin College High School. In 1930, he earned a Bachelor's Degree from Benedict College. Harold wanted to study law, but the law school at the University of South Carolina did not accept Black students at that time. So, he moved to Boston.
In 1936, Harold Stevens achieved a major milestone. He became the first Black American to earn a law degree (LL.B.) in labor law from Boston College.
During the 1940s, he worked as a lawyer for groups like the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. This group helped Black railway workers. He also served in the military during World War II. From 1947 to 1950, he was a member of the New York State Assembly. This is a part of New York's government that makes laws.
Becoming a Judge
In 1950, Harold Stevens was elected to the New York Court of General Sessions. This was a court that handled serious cases. In 1955, the Governor of New York, W. Averell Harriman, appointed him to the New York Supreme Court. Later that year, he was elected to serve a fourteen-year term on this court.
From 1958, he served on the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts. He became the head judge of this division in 1969.
In January 1974, Governor Malcolm Wilson appointed Judge Stevens to the New York Court of Appeals. This is the highest court in New York State. This appointment was very important. Harold Stevens became the first African American to serve on this top court. This also made him the highest-ranking Black American in any state's court system at that time.
He ran for a full term on the Court of Appeals in 1974 but was not elected. In 1975, he returned to his role as the head judge of the Appellate Division. He retired from being a judge in 1977.
Harold Stevens passed away on November 9, 1990, at his home in Harlem, New York City.
Important Contributions and Awards
Judge Stevens was involved with many organizations. He served as a trustee or board member for groups like St. Patrick's Cathedral and New York Medical College. He also helped the National Center for State Courts. He even worked as a special advisor for President Roosevelt's Commission on Fair Employment Practices. This group worked to prevent unfair treatment in jobs.
Harold Stevens received many awards for his service. One special award was the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. Pope Pius XII gave him this award to recognize his outstanding service to the Catholic Church.
See also
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first minority male lawyers and judges in New York
