Juanita Jackson Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juanita Jackson Mitchell
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Juanita Jackson Mitchell, from a 1942 publication.
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| Born |
Juanita Elizabeth Jackson
January 2, 1913 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
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| Died | July 7, 1992 (aged 79) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Known for | First African-American woman to practice law in Maryland |
Juanita Elizabeth Jackson Mitchell (born January 2, 1913 – died July 7, 1992) was an important American lawyer and civil rights activist. She was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Juanita Mitchell made history as the first African-American woman to practice law in Maryland. She was married to Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., who was also a famous civil rights leader. Her family continued her legacy, with her children and grandchildren becoming political leaders.
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Early Life and Education
Juanita Mitchell was the daughter of Kieffer Albert Jackson and Lillie Mae Carroll Jackson. Her mother was also a major civil rights leader. Juanita went to Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore.
She then attended Morgan State College. In 1931, she graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania. She earned a degree in education. Four years later, she received a master's degree in sociology from the same university.
In 1950, Juanita Mitchell made history again. She became the first African-American woman to graduate from the University of Maryland School of Law. This achievement also made her the first African-American woman to practice law in Maryland.
Working for Civil Rights
In her younger years, Juanita Mitchell traveled a lot across the U.S. She spoke and taught about race relations for the Methodist church. From 1935 to 1938, she worked for the NAACP. She was a special assistant to Walter F. White, who was the NAACP Executive Secretary.
Leading the Youth Movement
As the National Youth Director for the NAACP, she helped organize many programs. These programs were for the organization's Youth and College Division. Juanita Mitchell also founded the Baltimore City-Wide Young People's Forum in 1931. She started the NAACP Youth Movement in 1935.
Fighting for Equality
Juanita Mitchell was the president of the NAACP's Baltimore City branch. She strongly supported ending segregation in Baltimore schools. After the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, she worked hard. She helped make Maryland the first southern state to integrate its schools.
She also filed many other lawsuits to desegregate public places. These included restaurants, parks, and swimming pools. Juanita Mitchell also led voter registration drives. These campaigns in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s encouraged African Americans in Baltimore to vote.
In 1942, she led a march of 2,000 citizens on Maryland's Capitol. She also directed the first citywide "Register and Vote" campaign. This campaign helped 11,000 new voters register. In 1958, her "Register to Vote" campaign added over 20,000 new voters.
National Recognition
Juanita Mitchell was also recognized by national leaders. President John F. Kennedy named her to the White House Conference on "Women and Civil Rights." In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed her to another White House Conference. This conference looked for solutions for African Americans in areas like jobs, education, and justice.
In 1987, Juanita Mitchell and her mother were honored. They were inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame. The NAACP also created an award in her name. The "Juanita Jackson Mitchell Award for Legal Activism" honors her work in the legal field.
The Mitchell Family Legacy
In 1938, Juanita married Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr.. He was a well-known civil rights activist. He was even called "the 101st Senator" because of his influence. Juanita came from a family dedicated to civil rights. Her mother, Dr. Lillie Jackson, was known as "Mother of Freedom."
Juanita Mitchell continued this family tradition of activism. Her sons, Michael B. Mitchell and Clarence M. Mitchell, III, became state senators. Her grandson, Clarence M. Mitchell, IV, served in the Maryland House of Delegates and then the State Senate. Another grandson, Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr., was a member of the Baltimore City Council.
Juanita Jackson Mitchell passed away in July 1992. She died in Baltimore from a heart attack.
Lasting Impact
Each year, the NAACP honors Juanita Jackson Mitchell's work. At its National Convention, the NAACP gives out the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Legal Activism Award. This award recognizes an NAACP group for its excellent work in legal rights.
See also
- List of first women lawyers and judges in Maryland
