The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc.

Earl J. Amedee

Earl J. Amedee was born on September 29, 1919, in Louisiana. After serving in World War II, he graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana and earned his law degree from Howard University School of Law in 1949. That same year, he was admitted to the Louisiana Bar.

Amedee’s career was marked by his dedication to justice and equality. He successfully challenged discriminatory barriers to bar admission, ran as the first Black candidate for the Orleans Parish School Board in the 20th century, and became the parish’s first Black assistant district attorney. Notably, he provided free legal services to Black communities and won a landmark case ensuring piped water for Ironton residents in Plaquemines Parish.

As a founding member of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Amedee left a lasting legacy in the fight for racial equity and equal representation in the legal profession. His commitment to justice continues to inspire, even after his passing on September 1, 1990.

Israel Meyer Augustine, Jr.

Israel Meyer Augustine, Jr., born in 1924 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a pioneering African American lawyer, activist, and judge. After graduating from McDonough 35 High School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Southern University in Baton Rouge and a law degree from Lincoln University in St. Louis. He was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1951.

A founder, director, and general counsel for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Augustine was deeply involved in the civil rights movement. In 1958, he co-founded the law firm Augustine, Collins, Smith, and Warren with fellow Martinet Society members.

In 1970, Augustine became the first African American elected to Louisiana’s Criminal District Court. He gained national attention in 1971 for presiding over the Black Panther Trial. A tireless advocate for justice, he created programs such as the “Roots” Homecoming Program, the First Offender Program, and Angola Awareness.

Augustine passed away on August 29, 1994. His legacy lives on through the Israel Meyer Augustine Middle School and the Israel M. Augustine Criminal Justice Center, renamed in his honor in 1996. His contributions to justice and civil rights continue to inspire.

Louis A. Berry

Louis A. Berry, born on October 9, 1914, in Alexandria, Louisiana, was a trailblazing attorney and civil rights advocate. A graduate of Howard University School of Law in 1941, he became the first African American admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1945 since Reconstruction. Berry played a pivotal role in desegregating public facilities and schools across Louisiana, including leading legal battles that helped dismantle barriers to voting rights for African Americans. Returning to Alexandria in 1950, he persisted in fighting segregation despite facing significant challenges, contributing to transformative civil rights advancements in the state.

In 1972, he was appointed Dean of Southern University Law Center, where he mentored future generations of African American lawyers. Berry’s legacy is honored through the Louis A. Berry Civil Rights and Justice Institute at Southern University Law Center. The institute is committed to the advancement of civil and human rights and to social and restorative justice, especially in Louisiana and the South.

Louis Berry passed away on May 3, 1998, leaving a profound impact on civil rights, social justice, and the legal profession. His enduring contributions continue to inspire progress and equality.

Lionel Collins

Lionel Collins was a groundbreaking attorney, civil rights leader, and judge whose career left an indelible mark on Jefferson Parish and beyond. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1951, he went on to receive his law degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1954. Collins broke racial barriers as the first Black lawyer to practice on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish.

In 1968, Collins made history again as the first African American appointed as Assistant Parish Attorney, serving under Harry Lee. He later became the first Black judge in Jefferson Parish, receiving an interim appointment to the 24th Judicial District Court in 1977. Following this, he was elected to a six-year term in 1984 and served as Chief Judge from 1985 to 1987.

Collins was also a dedicated civil rights advocate. He worked to combat racial discrimination in employment, led the effort to desegregate West Jefferson Medical Center, and played a crucial role in integrating Jefferson Parish public schools. His work in the 1964 Dandridge desegregation case significantly influenced education reform in the parish.

Collins passed away in 1988 at the age of 60, leaving a legacy defined by his relentless pursuit of equality, justice, and progress in both the legal field and civil rights.

Robert F. Collins

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Judge Collins was a distinguished attorney, educator, and jurist. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University in 1951 and a Bachelor of Laws from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1954. Following his graduation, he served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 before entering private legal practice in New Orleans, where he worked from 1956 to 1972.

During his legal career, Collins also served as an instructor at Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge from 1959 to 1961, contributing to the education of future legal professionals. In 1972, he became a magistrate judge for the Criminal District Court of New Orleans, a role he held until 1978.

On January 26, 1978, President Jimmy Carter nominated Collins to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, filling the seat vacated by Judge Alvin Benjamin Rubin. Collins was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 17, 1978, and received his commission two days later, beginning a federal judicial career that spanned 15 years. He served on the bench with distinction until his resignation on August 6, 1993.

Judge Collins’ career exemplifies dedication to justice, education, and public service.

Niles R. Douglas

Born in New Orleans, Niles Douglas graduated from Xavier Preparatory High School and Dillard University. He began his career as an insurance agent and representative for a local beer distributor before enrolling in night classes at Loyola School of Law in 1956, where he was among the school’s first Black students.

In 1960, Douglas partnered with classmates Lolis Edward Elie and Robert Collins to establish a law practice on Dryades Street. At a time when Louisiana had few Black lawyers and segregation limited opportunities, the firm quickly gained prominence by representing the New Orleans chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in its campaign against public accommodation segregation. Their work led to a landmark 1963 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the city’s ban on sit-ins as unconstitutional, marking a pivotal victory in the civil rights movement.

In 1973, Douglas was appointed by Governor Edwin Edwards to the Louisiana Board of Highways, overseeing $300 million in road projects. The States-Item described him as “the most energetic and methodical Black politician in New Orleans.” Later, he served as a commissioner in the magistrate section of Criminal District Court and held a position on the State Board of Ethics for Elected Officials.

Throughout his career, Niles Douglas demonstrated unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and public service, leaving an indelible mark on Louisiana’s legal and political landscape.

Norman C. Francis

Dr. Norman C. Francis, born on March 20, 1931, in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a renowned educator and civil rights advocate. He served as the president of Xavier University of Louisiana from 1968 to 2015, becoming the longest-tenured leader of an American university during his tenure.

Francis broke racial barriers early in his life, becoming one of the first two Black students to integrate Loyola University Law School in 1952 and its first Black graduate in 1955. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help integrate federal agencies. He later returned to Xavier University, where he played pivotal roles during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1961, as dean of men, he ensured the Freedom Riders were housed in Xavier’s dormitories after violent attacks in Alabama. He also acted as counsel for Xavier’s student body president, Rudolph Lombard, who was arrested during a lunch counter sit-in in New Orleans.

Dr. Francis’s dedication to education and civil rights guided his decision to pursue a career in academia. He accepted Xavier’s presidency on April 4, 1968, the same day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. Beyond Xavier, Francis chaired the Louisiana Recovery Authority, leading the state’s rebuilding efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

His professional accomplishments include serving as chairman of Educational Testing Service, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and the Southern Education Foundation. He also served as president of the American Association of Higher Education and the United Negro College Fund and was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Over his career, Francis received 35 honorary degrees and, in December 2006, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Dr. Francis’s contributions to education and civil rights have left an indelible impact on Louisiana and the nation.

Benjamin J. Johnson

Benjamin J. Johnson was a pioneering attorney and civil rights advocate whose career was dedicated to advancing justice and equality. A native of Louisiana, Johnson graduated from Xavier University in 1939 and earned his law degree from Southern University Law School. In 1952, he broke racial barriers by becoming one of the first Black students admitted to Loyola University Law School, a significant milestone in the fight for educational integration.

Johnson’s legal career was marked by his commitment to civil rights, tackling racial discrimination and advocating for equitable treatment under the law. His work contributed to key legal advancements that helped dismantle segregation and promote equal opportunities for African Americans in Louisiana.

In addition to his legal achievements, Johnson served as president of People’s Life Insurance Company in 1972, leading the largest African American-owned life insurance company in Louisiana. His dedication to justice and empowerment left an indelible mark on the legal and business landscapes of his time.

Alvin Bazile Jones

Alvin Bazile Jones (1922–1973) was a trailblazing attorney, civil rights advocate, and community leader dedicated to justice and equality. A graduate of Southern University Law Center, Jones used his legal expertise to champion the rights of African Americans during a pivotal era in Louisiana’s history.

Jones represented the Consumers League of New Orleans in their fight for fair treatment of African Americans in retail employment, playing a key role in advocating for workplace equity. He was also deeply involved in voter registration efforts in Plaquemines Parish, a region notorious for suppressing the rights of African Americans, and tirelessly fought against police brutality in the community.

In addition to his civil rights work, Jones broke barriers in public service as the first African-American appointed Assistant City Attorney and later served as Judge Ad Hoc in Traffic Court. His unwavering dedication to justice left an enduring legacy in the legal and civil rights landscape of Louisiana.

Vanue B. LaCour

Vanue B. “Van” LaCour was born on September 10, 1915, in Melrose, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. A dedicated scholar, LaCour graduated as valedictorian from Central Colored High School in 1933 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1938.

He pursued legal studies at Howard University School of Law, where he graduated as salutatorian in 1941. With a passion for justice and equality, LaCour became a trailblazer in legal education, serving as a founding faculty member at Southern University Law Center. His role in shaping legal education for African American students was pivotal during an era of widespread racial discrimination.

LaCour was also a founding member of the New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, an organization dedicated to advancing civil rights and supporting African American lawyers in their fight for justice. His commitment to civil rights and equality was recognized with his induction into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame in 1988.

Vanue B. LaCour passed away on January 7, 2011, leaving an enduring legacy of justice and equality in Louisiana’s legal and civil rights communities.

Ernest N. Morial

Ernest Nathan Morial was a trailblazing lawyer, judge, state legislator, and mayor whose life was marked by historic achievements and a commitment to civil rights. Born on October 9, 1929, in New Orleans to a working-class family, Morial graduated from Xavier University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1954, he became the first African American to earn a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Louisiana State University Law School.

In 1967, Morial made history as the first African American elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives since Reconstruction. His judicial career followed, with his election as the first African American Juvenile Court judge in 1970. Just two years later, he broke another barrier as the first African American elected to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. In 1977, Morial achieved a landmark milestone, becoming the first African American mayor of New Orleans.

Morial was a leading civil rights advocate, winning numerous desegregation suits targeting education, transportation, and public institutions, often with the support of his mentor A.P. Tureaud and his wife, Sybil Haydel. His efforts significantly advanced racial equality in Louisiana and beyond.

Ernest Nathan Morial passed away after an asthmatic attack and is interred in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. His legacy of leadership continued through his eldest son, Marc Morial, who became mayor of New Orleans in 1994. Ernest Morial’s enduring impact on civil rights and public service remains a cornerstone of New Orleans history.

Justice Revius Ortique, Jr.

Justice Revius Ortique Jr., a native of New Orleans, was a trailblazing attorney, civil rights advocate, and jurist whose career spanned decades of public service and advocacy for equality. After serving four years as an Army officer during World War II, Ortique pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree from Dillard University, a master’s degree from Indiana University, and a law degree from Southern University in 1956.

As a civil rights attorney in the 1950s and 1960s, Ortique played a pivotal role in advancing equality in Louisiana. He served as legal counsel for The Louisiana Weekly and led efforts to integrate labor unions, successfully representing Black workers in lawsuits seeking pay equal to their white counterparts. His impact extended to the broader community as he was elected president of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans in 1958, serving five terms, and became president of the National Bar Association in 1959. Additionally, he led the Community Relations Council in New Orleans, a biracial group focused on fostering understanding and equity, serving three terms as president.

In 1978, Ortique was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to the Civil District Court to complete the term of Adrian Duplantier, who had been elevated to a federal judgeship. His judicial career and civic contributions were further recognized when he was appointed by five U.S. presidents to various national commissions and boards. Under President Bill Clinton, he served as an alternate U.S. delegate to the United Nations. Ortique also held the position of chairman of the New Orleans Aviation Board for eight years, an appointment made by Mayor Marc H. Morial.

Justice Ortique’s profound influence on civil rights, law, and public service continues to resonate as a testament to his unwavering dedication to justice and equality.

J. T. Powell

James Smith

James Smith was a co-founder of the Augustine, Collins, Smith, and Warren law firm, one of the first African American law firms in New Orleans, located at 922 Teche Street in Algiers, within the Masonic Temple Building. In addition to his pioneering legal work, Smith was a founding member of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, established in 1957 to combat racial injustice and promote equitable legal representation. His contributions to both the legal profession and the civil rights movement laid the groundwork for future generations of African-American attorneys and advocates in Louisiana.

Alexander Pierre Tureaud

Alexander Pierre (A.P.) Tureaud was born on February 26, 1899, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was Louisiana’s leading civil rights attorney from the 1940s through the 1960s, playing a pivotal role in desegregating New Orleans public schools and advancing racial equality.

Tureaud served as the first President of the Martinet Society.

Born into a black Creole family, Tureaud moved to Chicago in 1916 as part of the Great Migration and later to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice. While in Washington, he completed high school, attended St. John’s College, and graduated from Howard University Law School in 1925. Upon returning to New Orleans, he joined the Louisiana Bar in 1927, becoming one of only five black lawyers in the state. He also worked for the Office of the Comptroller of Customs in New Orleans until 1941.

As a prominent member of the New Orleans NAACP, Tureaud served as branch president in 1950. Partnering with Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, he successfully fought for equal pay for black and white teachers in 1941. Over his career, he led critical civil rights litigation, challenging the exclusion of black students from Louisiana colleges, segregation on public buses and in city parks, and funding disparities between black and white schools.

In 1952, Tureaud initiated efforts to end school segregation in New Orleans, a fight that culminated in 1960 when four black children integrated two all-white schools. His work earned him the title “Mr. Civil Rights of Louisiana,” despite enduring FBI surveillance. During the 1960s, he secured a significant Supreme Court victory protecting the rights of sit-in protesters.

Tureaud retired in 1971 after decades of transformative legal work. He passed away on January 22, 1972, leaving a lasting legacy as a champion for justice and equality.

Freddie Bazille Warren, Jr.

Freddie Bazille Warren, Jr. was born on November 30, 1917, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his education at McDonogh #6 Elementary School and Xavier Preparatory High School. Freddie went on to attend Xavier University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

During his college years, he was drafted into the Armed Forces and served as a First Lieutenant in the 93rd Infantry Division during World War II. After the war, Freddie returned to Xavier University to complete his undergraduate education and later attended Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1952.

While working toward his goal of practicing law, Freddie also worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He began his legal career as a partner in the law firm Augustine, Collins, Smith, and Warren, which he co-founded with his lifelong friends Israel M. Augustine Jr., Robert F. Collins, and James Smith. This firm was one of the few Black law firms in New Orleans. Freddie went on to serve as Assistant District Attorney in Juvenile Court, leaving a lasting impact on the legal profession and his community.

Lawrence Wheeler

Lawrence A. Wheeler was an influential attorney and civic leader who played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and social justice in Louisiana. He graduated from Southern University Law School in 1957 and dedicated his career to empowering African-American communities and fostering political engagement.

Wheeler led the Second Ward Voters League as its president, championing voter registration and participation among African Americans. He also founded the Louisiana Advancement Association to support civil rights efforts and was an active member of the Louisiana Civic Voters League. His dedication to public service extended into politics, as he ran for a seat in the Louisiana Legislature in 1959, demonstrating his commitment to representation and advocacy.

In 1968, Wheeler’s leadership was further recognized when State Representative Ernest “Dutch” Morial nominated him for a position on the New Orleans Community Involvement Agency. His appointment, later confirmed by Mayor Victor H. Schiro, underscored his influence and dedication to community development.

Through his legal work and community leadership, Lawrence A. Wheeler made a lasting impact on Louisiana’s civil rights movement. His legacy continues to inspire those dedicated to justice and equality.