Oliver Randolph facts for kids
Oliver Randolph (born October 31, 1877 – died October 2, 1951) was an important American lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. He made history in New Jersey in several ways. He was the first African American lawyer allowed to practice law there. He was also the second African American chosen for the New Jersey Legislature. Plus, he was the only African American delegate at the New Jersey Constitutional Convention in 1947.
Oliver Randolph's Early Life
Oliver Randolph was born in 1882 in Pass Christian, Mississippi. His parents were John W. and Mary E.J. Randolph. His grandfather had been a slave in Virginia. His father, John W. Randolph, was also a politician in Mississippi during the Reconstruction Era.
Oliver Randolph went to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. He then earned a law degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
After finishing his studies, Randolph moved to Newark, New Jersey. In 1914, he became the first African American to be allowed to practice law in New Jersey.
Randolph's Political Journey
Randolph became involved in Republican politics in Essex County, New Jersey. In November 1922, he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. He was the second African American to serve in the state legislature. The first was Walter G. Alexander, elected in 1920.
While in the Assembly, Randolph worked on important laws. He wrote New Jersey's law against lynching. This law helped protect people from mob violence. He also introduced ideas to oppose the Ku Klux Klan.
In 1923, he was chosen as a Special Assistant United States District Attorney for New Jersey. This was suggested by U.S. Senator Walter E. Edge. Randolph was the first African American to hold this job. He served in this role for ten years. Later, in 1946, he was named a Deputy Attorney General.
In 1947, Randolph was part of a special meeting called the New Jersey Constitutional Convention. He was the only African American among 81 delegates. He represented Essex County. He worked on a committee that focused on rights and privileges.
Randolph successfully argued for an important part of the Constitution of New Jersey. This part, Article 1, Paragraph 5, says: "No person shall be denied the enjoyment of any civil or military right, nor be discriminated against in the exercise of any civil or military right, nor be segregated in the militia or in the public schools, because of religious principles, race, color, ancestry or national origin." This means everyone should have equal rights.
Randolph's Legacy
Oliver Randolph passed away in 1951 at Presbyterian Hospital in Newark.
Today, the Garden State Bar Association honors his work. This group gives out the Oliver Randolph Award every year. It celebrates his important role as a pioneer for civil rights.
See also
