Walter Moran Farmer

Name
Walter Moran Farmer
Description
Walter Moran Farmer was one of the most significant early Black students at Washington University and the first Black graduate of its law school, earning his degree cum laude in 1889. His achievement was remarkable but marred by racism; his white classmates refused to walk with him at graduation, a stark reminder of his unwelcome status despite his success. Farmer went on to a pioneering legal career, becoming the first Black lawyer to argue before the Missouri Supreme Court and one of the first to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court. In St. Louis, he emerged as a respected civic leader and outspoken advocate against lynching and racial violence, using his legal expertise to fight for justice in his community. In 1892, he was among the prominent Black Missourians who declared a National Day of Prayer and fasting on May 31 in response to widespread lynching violence, an event that drew more than 1,500 people in St. Louis.
Bio
Walter Moran Farmer was one of the most significant early Black students at Washington University and the first Black graduate of its law school, earning his degree cum laude in 1889. His achievement was remarkable but marred by racism; his white classmates refused to walk with him at graduation, a stark reminder of his unwelcome status despite his success. Farmer went on to a pioneering legal career, becoming the first Black lawyer to argue before the Missouri Supreme Court and one of the first to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court. In St. Louis, he emerged as a respected civic leader and outspoken advocate against lynching and racial violence, using his legal expertise to fight for justice in his community. In 1892, he was among the prominent Black Missourians who declared a National Day of Prayer and fasting on May 31 in response to widespread lynching violence, an event that drew more than 1,500 people in St. Louis.