lest we forget Edith Spurlock Sampson A Look at Black Chicagoans who Shaped History

Tammy Gibson CNW Staff Writer

Edith Spurlock Sampson dedicated her life to changing the system. Sampson spoke from her heart and fought for what was right as a Chicago lawyer. Sampson was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to a father who was a shipping clerk and her mother as a homemaker. After graduating from Peabody High School, Sampson studied criminology at the New York School of Social Work. Sampson excelled in her studies and her professor told her that she had the talent to be a lawyer. Sampson moved to Chicago and earned a bachelor’s degree at John Marshall Law School in 1925, making her the highest-ranking student of the 95 enrolled in the course on jurisprudence, earning a special commendation from Dean Edward T. Lee. In 1927, Sampson was the first woman to receive a law degree from Loyola University. That same year, Sampson was admitted to the Illinois bar.

In 1927, Sampson opened a law firm on the south side of Chicago. Her firm specialized in domestic relations, criminal law and offered legal advice to Blacks that could not afford an attorney. When Sampson represented her clients in court, she stated, “I talk from my heart and let the law take care of itself.”

In 1934, Sampson was the first Black woman to be admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. That same year, Sampson married attorney Joseph Clayton, who worked as law partners for over ten years until his death in 1957. In 1938, Sampson and Black attorney Georgia Jones Ellis became the first Blacks to join the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Women Lawyers.

Sampson held membership in organizations including the National Council of Negro Women, NAACP, and League of Women Voters. Chicago Professional Women’s

Club, Chicago Urban League, and the South Side Community Center.

Sampson served as president of the World Town Hall Seminar, that promoted democracy around the world. Her work caught the attention of President Harry Truman. In 1950, President Truman appointed Sampson as the first Black U.S. delegate to the United Nations and was re-appointed in 1952. During Dwight Eisenhower’s administration, Sampson was a U.S. Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) member. In 1961, Sampson became the first Black U.S. representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

In 1962, Sampson, age 61, became the first Black female in the United States to be elected associate to the Municipal Court of Chicago. In 1966, Sampson was the first Black elected to a seat on the Circuit Court of Cook County. In 1978, Sampson retired from the bench. Sampson received numerous honorary degrees, including a doctor of law degree from John Marshall Law School.

Sampson had no children but instilled in her family the work ethic to achieve success. Nephews Oliver and Charles T. Spurlock followed in their aunt’s footsteps and became successful judges. Sampson’s niece Jeanne Spurlock was the first Black woman to be dean at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, and great-niece Lynn Moody was an actress who appeared in the television miniseries, “Roots.” Sampson died on October 8, 1979, in Chicago.

Located in Lincoln Park, a two 11-story high rise for senior citizens was renamed Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartment with 394 units. In 2021, Chicago Housing Authority, 43rd Ward Alderwoman Michele Smith, and Illinois Housing Development Authority hosted a groundbreaking to add 80 new family units, amenities, and features to the building. The renovation is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Edith Spurlock Sampson made her mark as a dedicated servant who served her people, was the first of many positions, and was a true inspiration to many all over the world.