James Nabrit III facts for kids

James Madison Nabrit III (born June 11, 1932 – died March 22, 2013) was a very important African American civil rights lawyer. He helped fight for equal rights for all people. He won many big cases at the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the United States. He also worked for a long time with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. This group helps people get fair treatment under the law.

Early Life and Education

James Nabrit III was born in Houston, Texas. His father, James Nabrit, Jr., was also a famous civil rights lawyer. His father was also a law professor and later became the President of Howard University.

James III grew up in Washington, D.C.. He went to schools that were separated by race for part of his high school years. He finished high school at the Mount Hermon School for Boys in Massachusetts. This school is now called Northfield Mount Hermon.

He then went to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and graduated in 1952. After that, he studied law at Yale Law School and finished in 1955.

A Career in Civil Rights Law

James Nabrit III started his law career at a firm called Reeves, Robinson & Duncan. He then served for two years in the U.S. Army.

After his time in the Army, he joined the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. He worked there for 30 years, from 1959 to 1989. This organization was very important in the civil rights movement. They fought for equal rights for African Americans.

Fighting for Justice in Court

As a lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, James Nabrit III argued many important cases. He presented these cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also argued cases in various U.S. Court of Appeals.

He argued 12 cases in front of the Supreme Court. He won 9 of these cases, which is a great achievement. Some of his important cases included Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education in 1972. This case was about school desegregation. Another key case was Shuttlesworth v. Birmingham in 1969.

Later Life

James Nabrit III passed away on March 22, 2013. He was 80 years old. He died in a hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. His work as a civil rights lawyer helped change laws and make the United States a fairer place for everyone.

See also

• List of Bates College people