Francis E. Rivers

Francis E. Rivers (died July 28, 1975) was a lawyer and judge who served in the New York State Assembly. His father, David Foote Rivers, was a state representative in Tennessee.

He was the first African American to serve on a City Court in New York City.[1] In 1932, W. E. B. Du Bois wrote to Rivers seeking information about Dr. Hinton of Boston who Du Bois wanted to nominate for a Springarn Medal.[2] In 1966 he presented an award to Thurgood Marshall.[3]

Several prominent members of the American Bar Association threatened to quit when Rivers was denied membership in organization which did not have any African American members.[4][5] He served in the 153rd New York State Legislature.

See also

References
  1. Fowle, Farnsworth (July 29, 1975). "Francis E. Rivers Dies; Black City Judge Was 82 (Published 1975)". The New York Times.
  2. "Letter from Francis e. Rivers to W. E. B. Du Bois, January 28, 1932".
  3. "Convocation Dinner to honor Thurgood Marshall | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News". WNYC.
  4. "QUIT BAR ASSOCIATION, CHARGING RACE BIAS; Judge Goldstein and A.G. Hays Protest Exclusion of Negro (Published 1943)". The New York Times. April 9, 1943.
  5. "Judge Jonah Goldstein Quits Bar Association Because It Bars Negro from Membership". April 11, 1943.
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