15 Facts About Demetrius Newton

Demetrius Caiphus Newton was an American civil rights attorney and politician.

Demetrius Newton filed lawsuits to end segregation, and represented Martin Luther King Jr.

Demetrius Newton then served in the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the 53rd district, from 1986 to his death in 2013.

Demetrius Newton became the first Black speaker pro tempore in the history of the Alabama House, serving in the role from 1998 through 2010.

Demetrius Newton received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilberforce University and his Juris Doctor from the Boston University School of Law in 1952.

The state of Alabama paid Newton to attend a law school outside of the state, in order to prevent having to desegregate the University of Alabama School of Law or create a law school for Blacks.

Demetrius Newton was a private first class and worked as a defense councilor in the judge advocate section.

Demetrius Newton set up a general practice law office where he worked as a civil rights attorney.

Demetrius Newton became a member of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and filed numerous lawsuits that were aimed at defeating segregationist laws.

Demetrius Newton filed the first lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Demetrius Newton worked on Rosa Parks' defense following her arrest for refusing to move from the "Whites Only" section of a bus.

Demetrius Newton represented Blacks who were arrested during the Birmingham riot of 1963.

Demetrius Newton was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1986, and was elected as the speaker pro tempore in 1998, becoming the first Black speaker pro tempore in Alabama's history.

Demetrius Newton served in the role until 2010, when Republicans became the majority party.

Demetrius Newton died following a long illness on September 11,2013.