Archie Walter Willis Jr.
Tennessee politician
Archie Walter Willis Jr. | |
---|---|
Tennessee House of Representatives | |
Personal details | |
Born | (1925-03-16)March 16, 1925 Birmingham, Alabama |
Died | 1988(1988-00-00) (aged 62–63) |
Occupation | Politician |
Archie Walter Willis Jr. (March 16, 1925 - 1988) was a lawyer, businessman, and state representative in Tennessee. He was the first African American elected to state office in Tennessee in more than 70 years.[1]
He was born in Birmingham, Alabama.[1] He moved to Memphis in 1953 and helped establish the city's first integrated law firm.[2] He represented James Meredith who was being blocked from attending the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi.[3]
Part of Auction Avenue in downtown Memphis is named in his honor.[2] The A. W. Willis Bridge is named for him.[1] He was married to the educator and activist Miriam DeCosta-Willis from 1972 until his death in 1988.[4]
See also
- African Americans in Tennessee
- African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era
References
- v
- t
- e