In many fields, including education, business, and beyond, African Americans have historically faced exclusion from professional opportunities. The legal profession is no exception.
In St. Louis, Black lawyers were denied membership in the predominantly white St. Louis Bar Association, prompting them to establish their own organization. On January 7, 1922, the Mound City Bar Association was founded.
Originally the Mound City Bar Association was organized as the St. Louis Negro Bar Association. Because of racism in St. Louis and nationally, the organization brought together Black lawyers from the community.
The association aims to uphold the integrity of the legal profession, to promote the professional growth of its members, and to provide community service, including pro-bono legal assistance. Giving back to the community has always been a core value of the Mound City Bar Association.
The Mound City Bar Association is the oldest African-American bar association west of the Mississippi River. The organization consists of lawyers, judges, paralegals, and law students who share their legal skills through actively participating in the community, mentoring, and offering professional development opportunities to its members.
The Mound City Bar Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) entity, handles the charitable activities of the association. Together, the association and foundation raises funds for various charitable causes and provides scholarships to law students.
In recognition of significant contributions to the St. Louis legal community and support for African American attorneys, the Mound City Bar Association established the Legal Legend Award. This award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the legal profession in St. Louis and those who have supported African American lawyers.
As one of the first Black Bar Associations in the country, the Mound City Bar Association is over 100 years old and continues to thrive. To learn more visit moundcitybar.com.