Cecily Zamora
Florida State University (FSU) has a rich history of Black alumni who have paved the way for diversity and broken racial barriers. One notable figure is Maxwell Courtney, who in 1965, became the first Black undergraduate to graduate from the then-segregated university. His academic achievements and courage during a time of intense racial division are commemorated through the Integration statue in the FSU Student Union. FSU has also produced notable Black law graduates, including Tommy Warren, a prominent civil rights lawyer, and James JT Thomas, Jr., who became the first Black football athlete to graduate from FSU with a degree in business in 1973.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Zebedee Wright |
| Year of graduation | 1971 |
| Position | Judge |
| Year of appointment as a judge | 1982 |
| FSU Law's first Black female graduate | Catherine Brunson |
| Year of graduation | 1975 |
| Position | Judge |
| Years of service | 1994-2018 |
| Notable Black alumni | Benjamin "Ben" Crump |
| Daryl Parks | |
| Carlos Moore | |
| Number of Black alumni | 550+ |
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What You'll Learn
- FSU's first Black male law graduate was Zebedee Wright in 1971
- FSU's first Black female law graduate was Catherine Brunson in 1975
- FSU's Black Alumni Network (BAN) is open to all graduates
- FSU's Black law alumni include prominent civil rights lawyers
- FSU's Black law alumni include leaders of the National Bar Association
FSU's first Black male law graduate was Zebedee Wright in 1971
The first Black male law graduate of Florida State University (FSU) was Zebedee Wright, who graduated in 1971. He later became a judge in 1982. FSU's first Black female graduate was Catherine Brunson, who graduated in 1975 and served on the bench from 1994 to 2018.
The integration of Black students into FSU's law school was a significant step towards racial equality and diversity within the university's student body. Zebedee Wright's graduation in 1971 paved the way for increased diversity and inclusion at FSU's law school and inspired future generations of Black lawyers and judges.
Zebedee Wright's graduation from FSU's law school in 1971 was a groundbreaking achievement that symbolized progress towards racial equality in legal education. His success inspired other Black students to pursue legal careers and contributed to a more diverse and inclusive legal profession.
Wright's graduation from FSU's law school was not just a personal achievement but a milestone in the broader context of civil rights and racial justice. It represented a step towards breaking down racial barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for Black individuals in the field of law.
The legacy of Zebedee Wright's graduation extends beyond his own accomplishments. By becoming the first Black male law graduate of FSU, he blazed a trail for other Black students to follow and helped foster a more inclusive and representative legal community. His achievement continues to inspire and empower future generations of Black lawyers and judges, contributing to a more diverse and equitable legal system.
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FSU's first Black female law graduate was Catherine Brunson in 1975
The first Black female law graduate of Florida State University (FSU) was Catherine Brunson, who graduated in 1975. Brunson served on the bench from 1994 to 2018. She was FSU Law's first Black female graduate, and her graduation marked a significant milestone for the university.
During the same period, Zebedee Wright, who graduated in 1971, became FSU Law's first Black male graduate. He went on to become a judge in 1982, a notable achievement in his career. Emerson Thompson, who graduated in 1973, also served in the legal field and retired from the Fifth District Court of Appeal in 2008.
Catherine Brunson's achievement as the first Black female law graduate at FSU is particularly noteworthy given the historical context of racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Her graduation in 1975 was a step towards diversifying the legal profession and promoting racial equality in higher education.
While the specific details of Catherine Brunson's life and career trajectory after graduation are not readily available, her graduation from FSU Law in 1975 remains a significant milestone in the university's history. It is a testament to her academic achievements, perseverance, and the breaking of racial barriers in legal education.
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FSU's Black Alumni Network (BAN) is open to all graduates
The Florida State University (FSU) College of Law has a rich history of diversity and academic excellence. The university's Black Alumni Network (BAN) is a testament to this, celebrating the achievements of its Black graduates and fostering a community of support and connection.
One of the earliest Black graduates of FSU was Maxwell Courtney, who, in 1965, became the first Black undergraduate to graduate from the university. During a time of intense racial division and segregation, Courtney's courage and determination paved the way for future Black students at FSU. He enrolled at the age of 16 and graduated cum laude with a degree in mathematics and minors in French and English.
Another notable Black alumnus is James "JT" Thomas, Jr., who, in 1973, became the first Black football athlete to graduate from FSU with a degree in business. Thomas was also FSU's first Black football All-American. In 1969, the university welcomed its first Black female graduate, the Honorable Catherine Brunson, who went on to serve on the bench from 1994 to 2018.
FSU Law's Black Alumni Network (BAN) is open to all graduates, fostering an inclusive community. With over 550 Black alumni, BAN aims to support and connect Black graduates, students, and professors, while also serving as a resource for the law school. The network encourages all alumni to get involved, offering benefits from altruistic, professional, and financial standpoints.
BAN's reach extends beyond the university, with FSU Law alumni making significant contributions to the legal profession and society. Notable alumni include Benjamin "Ben" Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney, and Carlos Moore, who became the president of the National Bar Association (NBA). These individuals, among many others, embody FSU Law's tradition of excellence, inspiring future generations and creating a lasting impact.
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FSU's Black law alumni include prominent civil rights lawyers
Florida State University (FSU) has a rich history of Black alumni who have gone on to achieve notable success in the field of law. The university's Black alumni network includes prominent civil rights lawyers, judges, and leaders who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and society.
One prominent FSU Black law alumnus is Benjamin "Ben" Crump, who graduated in 1995. Crump has gained national recognition for his work as an attorney for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, among many others. He is at the forefront of civil rights and racial justice movements, advocating for equality and justice for all.
Another notable FSU Black law graduate is Tommy Warren, a prominent civil rights lawyer who established the Calvin Patterson Civil Rights Endowed Scholarship at FSU. Warren, along with his wife Kathy Villacorta, also an FSU law graduate, endowed a $100,000 scholarship to honour the university's first African-American football player, Calvin Patterson. The scholarship aims to support students dedicated to advancing civil rights, particularly regarding African Americans' rights in employment, voting, education, and housing.
The Honorable Zebedee Wright, FSU Law's first Black male graduate in 1971, became a judge in 1982. The law school's first Black female graduate, the Honorable Catherine Brunson (Class of 1975), served on the bench from 1994 to 2018. Other notable Black alumni judges include the Honorable Emerson Thompson, the Honorable Nikki Clark, and the Honorable Jessica Costello.
FSU's Black Alumni Network (BAN) aims to foster connections and provide support for its over 550 Black law graduates. The network is committed to helping Black alumni navigate their careers and fostering relationships with potential Black faculty members. BAN's alumni include leaders in various sectors, such as Carlos Moore, president of the National Bar Association, and Daryl Parks, a former president of the NBA.
The contributions of FSU's Black law alumni extend beyond the legal profession. Their achievements in civil rights, social justice, and community leadership have left a lasting impact on the university and society. They have paved the way for future generations, demonstrating the potential for excellence and positive change.
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FSU's Black law alumni include leaders of the National Bar Association
Florida State University has a rich history of Black alumni who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields, including law. The first Black undergraduate to graduate from the university was Maxwell Courtney, who displayed courage during a time of intense racial division and segregation. Since the FSU College of Law welcomed its first students in 1966, the institution has produced numerous prominent Black lawyers and judges among its alumni.
One notable FSU Law graduate is Benjamin "Ben" Crump, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney who has represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, among others. Crump is at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and racial justice, using his platform to advocate for these important issues. Another distinguished alumnus is Carlos Moore, who became the third FSU graduate to hold the presidency of the National Bar Association (NBA) in 2022. Moore, a proud native of Mississippi, joined the NBA during his first year at FSU and set his sights on leading the organization. He emphasized the NBA's focus on civil rights and justice and identified police brutality and voting rights as immediate concerns.
FSUs Black law alumni include leaders of the National Bar Association, such as Scriven, who was honored by the organization in 2012 with the prestigious Gertrude E. Rush Award for her leadership and excellence. Other successful Black alumni in traditional legal practice include Kareem Spratling, a shareholder and board member at Bryant Miller Olive, and Earnest DeLoach, vice president and co-leader of national diversity initiatives at Balfour Beatty U.S. Southeast Division. In addition, Markenzy LaPointe is a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in Miami, where he co-leads the firm's product liability practice.
The FSU College of Law has fostered a diverse and inclusive environment, with an increasing number of female and minority students over the years. The Black Law Students Association at FSU has also won multiple national "Chapter of the Year" awards, reflecting the dedication and achievements of its Black law students and alumni. These individuals have not only excelled in their legal careers but have also actively addressed systemic racism within the legal profession and education through organizations like the FSU Law's Black Alumni Network (BAN).
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Frequently asked questions
The Honorable Zebedee Wright was FSU Law’s first Black male graduate in 1971.
The first Black female FSU law graduate was the Honorable Catherine Brunson, who graduated in 1975.
There is no specific information on how many Black students were in the first FSU law graduating class of 1969. However, the school has seen an increase in diversity since then.
Black alumni of FSU Law have gone on to become successful lawyers and judges, including civil rights movement leaders, presidents of the National Bar Association, partners at top firms, high-ranking government attorneys, powerful lobbyists, and community leaders. One notable alumnus is Benjamin "Ben" Crump, an attorney for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Another distinguished graduate is Carlos Moore, who became the president of the National Bar Association in 2020.
