A Southern Lawyer Demands Black People Be Barred from Trial

Reconstruction Era Law Gives Black People Access to Courts

From L-R Lawyer Kevin Gough, unknown person, and William Bryan. Photo Cascade Publishing House

Back in the early days of American history, it was a common practice to bar Africans enslaved in America from the courthouse. They could not enter to lodge a complaint against those who held them captive against their will for cruel treatment, nor could the Africans sue for their liberty.