Hosea T. Lockard facts for kids

Hosea T. Lockard (born June 24, 1920 – died December 12, 2011) was an important African-American judge in Tennessee. He served as a Criminal Court Judge for Shelby County. Hosea Lockard was born in Ripley, Tennessee. He grew up on a farm in a nearby town called Henning.

When Hosea Lockard was young, the United States had a system called segregation. This meant that Black people and white people were kept separate by law. Because of this, he could not attend the local white schools in Ripley. Instead, he went to public schools in Memphis, Tennessee, which was about 50 miles away.

Early Life and Education

Hosea Lockard served in the U.S. Army in the early 1940s. After his military service, he went back to school. He earned his college degree from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis.

Lockard wanted to become a lawyer. He applied to law school at Memphis State University (now called the University of Memphis). However, he was not allowed to attend because of his race. Instead, he went to Lincoln University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. This law school had been created specifically for African-Americans. He graduated in 1950. In 1951, he was allowed to practice law in Tennessee.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Hosea Lockard became a leader in the fight for equal rights. In 1955, he became the president of the Memphis Branch of the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works to ensure equal rights for all people. He led their legal team until 1958.

During this time, Lockard and other brave leaders worked hard to end segregation. They helped desegregate public places in Memphis. This included the city's streetcar system, public buildings, restaurants, and even the University of Memphis.

A Career in Public Service

Hosea Lockard built a very successful law practice. He made history by becoming the first African-American member of a Tennessee governor's team. He worked as an assistant to Governor Buford Ellington from 1967 to 1971.

He also advised President Lyndon B. Johnson on important issues. These included civil rights and how different races could get along better.

From 1975 to 1994, Lockard served as a judge on the Shelby County Criminal Court. He was active in the legal world for many years.

Personal Life

Hosea Lockard was married to Ida Walker Lockard for 49 years. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 12, 2011.