BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: McCants Stewart, Black Lawyer of the Urban West

By Syreeta L. McNeal, CPA, JD

“In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1). Since biblical creation, the spoken word has always manifested itself. For a lawyer, our mastery of the spoken word is highlighted in our ability to be an advocate for our clients and seek truth, fairness and justice in the U.S. judicial system. Many lawyers, especially those of color, must go through certain obstacles to enter into this prestigious profession. As lawyers, we know that practicing law is a privilege, not a right. To begin our weekly black history month’s spotlight series, I would like to recognize the accomplishments of McCants Stewart, pioneering black lawyer of the urban west.

Biography of McCants Stewart

McCants Stewart was born on July 11, 1877 in Brooklyn, NY to T. McCants (a respected nomadic Black southern leader) and Lottie P. Harris Stewart. McCants Stewart attended public schools in Brooklyn, NY and Clafin University, SC. He graduated from Tuskegee Institute in Alabama Normal Department in 1896 after a number of run-ins with Booker T. Washington. Later that year, he attended University of New York and attended University of New York Law School. After a series of mastering his law craft in his father’s law practice and other odd jobs to make ends meet, he was admitted to the bar of Oregon in 1903, becoming Oregon’s first black lawyer.

To learn more about McCants Stewart, please view the link below:
http://www.aaregistry.com/detail.php?id=2030

Source:
African American Registry,
Minnesota Historical Society,
Oregon Historical Society