Austin Thomas Walden – Georgia Black History

Judge Austin Thomas Walden was the first black Georgian appointed to be a judge after Reconstruction.  During Walden’s career as a lawyer he had several landmark cases including pay equity for black teachers, allowing African Americans to vote in party primaries, and the desegregation of Atlanta city buses and public schools.

Born in Fort Valley, Georgia, Walden was a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and University of Michigan law school.  He also served as a captain during World War I.  Walden is the founder of the Gate City Bar Association – an organization that still provides African American lawyers with resources.  Bar associations like Gate City were necessary because blacks were not allowed to participate in other bar associations.

As one of the first African Americans to serve as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention – continued to be a trailblazer until his death.

Learn more about Judge Austin Thomas Walden here: http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/t-walden-1885-1965