The Judson Lyons Society (JLS) draws its inspiration from the extraordinary legacy of Judson Whitlocke Lyons (1860–1924) — a legal pioneer who overcame the profound adversity of being born into slavery to become the first African-American admitted to the Georgia Bar. A self-taught scholar who pursued education at Augusta Theological Institute (now Morehouse College) and Howard University Law School, Lyons’ life exemplified perseverance, intellectual excellence, and service to the African-American community.
Throughout his distinguished career, Lyons not only practiced law successfully but also played pivotal roles in civil rights, politics, and education. As an ally of W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington, and a leader in the Georgia Equal Rights Association, Lyons championed equality and opportunity for African-Americans during the critical post-Reconstruction Era. His appointment as Register of the United States Treasury by President William McKinley marked one of the highest federal offices held by an African-American at the time.
Beyond his public achievements, Lyons remained deeply committed to empowering future generations through education and community leadership. His legacy lives on through the Judson Lyons Society, founded by Morehouse alumni in 2015, which continues to nurture and support aspiring Morehouse lawyers. Guided by Lyons’ example, JLS is dedicated to cultivating courageous leadership, promoting excellence in the legal profession, and advancing the cause of justice for the African-American community and beyond.