Robert Brokenburr facts for kids

Robert Lee Brokenburr (November 16, 1886 – March 24, 1974) was an important lawyer and leader in Indiana. He worked hard for civil rights, which means equal rights for all people. He also served as a state lawmaker.

In 1940, Brokenburr made history. He became the first African-American person elected to the Indiana Senate. He served there for 20 years. Before becoming a senator, he was a lawyer. He also helped run the famous Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company.

Early Life and Education

Robert Lee Brokenburr was born on November 16, 1886. His hometown was Phoebus, Virginia. His father, Benjamin Brokenburr, was freed from slavery as a child.

Robert went to Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. He graduated from there in 1906. Later, he earned a law degree from Howard University in 1909. He was allowed to practice law in Indiana starting in 1910.

Robert Brokenburr's Career

His Work as a Lawyer

In 1910, Brokenburr moved to Indianapolis. He shared a law office with another lawyer, Freeman B. Ransom. As a lawyer, he won important cases for civil rights.

• In 1926, he challenged a city rule in Indianapolis. This rule tried to separate people by race. The court agreed with Brokenburr and said the rule was against the law.
• He also helped a woman who was not allowed into a theater because of her race. Even though she lost the first court case, Brokenburr helped her win on appeal.

Brokenburr also worked for Marion County. He was a deputy prosecuting attorney from 1919 to 1931. He stopped working as a lawyer in 1971.

Helping Madame C.J. Walker

Besides his own law work, Brokenburr helped a very successful business. He helped Madame C.J. Walker start her company. This company made beauty products for Black women.

Brokenburr wrote the official papers to create the company. He also worked as its general manager and lawyer. The Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company became one of the most successful Black-owned businesses in the U.S.

Leading the NAACP Chapter

In 1914, Brokenburr became the president. He led the Indianapolis chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works for civil rights.

His Time in Politics

Brokenburr tried to get elected to the Indiana House of Representatives three times. This was between 1912 and 1934, but he did not win.

In 1940, he ran for the Indiana Senate. This time, he won! He became the first African-American person to serve in the Indiana State Senate. He was re-elected four more times. He served in 1944, 1952, 1956, and 1960. As a state senator, he helped create the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. This group works to protect people's rights.

In 1955, President Eisenhower chose Brokenburr for a special job. He was an alternate delegate to the United Nations.

Personal Life

In 1911, Brokenburr married Alice Glover in Indianapolis. She also went to Hampton Normal. They had two daughters: Nerissa Brokenburr Stickney and Alice Brokenburr Ray. Both daughters were pianists. They studied music at Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

Alice passed away in 1945. Later, Brokenburr married his second wife, Nettie. She passed away in 1969.

See also

• List of African-American officeholders (1900–1959)