Lafayette M. Hershaw

Lafayette M. Hershaw was a prominent journalist, lawyer, and influential intellectual figure within the African American community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1863, he made significant contributions to civil rights advocacy and education, particularly in Atlanta during the 1880s and later in Washington, D.C. His leadership roles in organizations such as the Bethel Literary and Historical Society and the Pen and Pencil Club positioned him as a key voice in the fight for racial equality. Hershaw was a staunch supporter of W. E. B. Du Bois and played a pivotal role as one of the thirteen founders of the Niagara Movement, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of the NAACP. In addition to his advocacy work, Hershaw was instrumental in the founding of the Robert H. Terrell Law School, where he served as president, furthering the education and professional development of African Americans in law. He held an officer position in the D.C. Branch of the NAACP from its inception until 1928, demonstrating his long-term commitment to civil rights. Hershaw's legacy is marked by his dedication to social justice, education, and the advancement of African Americans during a critical period in U.S. history.