Roger Demosthenes O'Kelly facts for kids

Roger Demosthenes O'Kelly (October 25, 1880 – July 11, 1962) was an amazing African-American lawyer. He faced many challenges because he was deaf, mostly unable to speak, and partially blind. He was known for being the only Black deaf lawyer in the United States. He was also only the second deaf person to graduate from Yale University in its long history.

Early Life and Education

Roger O'Kelly was born on October 25, 1880, in Raleigh, North Carolina. When he was 9 years old, he became deaf because of a sickness called Scarlet fever. As an adult, he could only make short sounds, so he was "practically mute."

He went to the North Carolina School for Colored Deaf and Blind. In 1898, he tried to get into Gallaudet University, a famous school for deaf students. However, he was not allowed in because of his skin color.

Roger O'Kelly communicated with people by writing notes on pads. He worked hard and earned a degree from Shaw University.

Becoming a Lawyer

Roger O'Kelly continued his education and achieved great things. In 1908, he received his license to practice law from the North Carolina Supreme Court. This meant he could officially work as a lawyer.

Then, in 1912, he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Yale University. This was a huge accomplishment, especially for someone who was deaf.

His Legal Career

After graduating from Yale, Roger O'Kelly returned to Raleigh, North Carolina. He opened his own law office called O'Kelly's Legal Bureau. He helped many people in the local African-American community.

He handled different types of legal cases. These included family matters, buying and selling property, and helping businesses. He was very successful, even though he was deaf and lived in a time when people were separated by race.

Roger O'Kelly also had another challenge: he was blind in one eye because of a football injury. But he was determined. He famously said he had "one good eye left and would make it anyhow." This shows how strong and positive he was.

He provided legal services for local business people in Raleigh, NC and Granite Quarry, NC.

Later Life

Roger O'Kelly married Goldie Weaver on February 25, 1920. They did not have any children. He passed away at the age of 82 on July 11, 1962, in Georgetown, South Carolina. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.