L. Clifford Davis, a prominent civil rights lawyer who dedicated his life to desegregating high schools in Texas, passed away on February 15 at the age of 100 in Fort Worth. Despite facing challenges such as mob violence, opposition from state politicians, and threats on his life, Davis remained steadfast in his pursuit of equality.
Davis played a pivotal role in desegregating high schools in Texas in the aftermath of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling in 1954. Working alongside Thurgood Marshall, Davis filed a lawsuit against the Mansfield school district in 1955 on behalf of five Black students, leading to a successful ruling in their favor a year later.
However, the road to integration was fraught with obstacles. When Black students attempted to attend the newly integrated school in September 1956, they were met with hostility from hundreds of angry white individuals, some brandishing nooses and burning crosses. Despite seeking assistance from U.S. Attorney General Herbert Brownell Jr. and Governor Allan Shivers, Davis was met with limited support.
Undeterred by the threats and violence, Davis continued to advocate for integration. In 1959, he successfully filed a class-action lawsuit against the Fort Worth school system, resulting in a plan to integrate the schools. His unwavering dedication to the cause of equality reflected his belief that lawyers should serve as social engineers, using the law to promote justice for all.
Born on October 12, 1924, in Wilton, Arkansas, Davis grew up in a deeply segregated environment. After graduating from Philander Smith College in 1945, he pursued a law degree at Howard University before eventually moving to Texas to practice law. In 1983, Davis was appointed as a criminal district court judge, becoming the first Black lawyer to open a practice in Fort Worth.
Throughout his career, Davis remained committed to fighting for civil rights and equality. His legacy lives on through his daughters, Karen and Avis Davis. In recognition of his contributions, the Fort Worth Black Bar Association renamed itself the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association in his honor in 2012. Additionally, the University of Arkansas awarded him an honorary degree in 2017, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to justice and equality.
