Because it’s a holiday, I’m working on nonpaying projects today. And of course, I’m procrastinating furiously. So I followed a link to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s blog, which is a relatively new addition to the LA Times Web site. He has a post from Friday on Charlotte E. Ray, who was the first black woman to become a lawyer in the United States. In 1872! Being any sort of female lawyer in 1872 must have been very hard, but to be black on top of it must have posed some serious problems. (And vice versa!) She didn’t let it stop her from contributing to public life, as you’ll see if you follow the link.
If you’re interested in Abdul-Jabbar himself, African-American history or a pro athlete’s reflection on pro athletics, it’s worth checking out the rest of it.
