L. Clifford Davis, the first Black law student applicant to the University of Arkansas, passed away on February 15. He was 100 years old.
In 1945, Davis earned his bachelor’s degree from what is now Philander Smith University, a historically Black school in Little Rock, Arkansas. Upon completing his undergraduate education, he enrolled in the law school at historically Black Howard University. After one academic year, the high cost of living in Washington, D.C., prompted Davis to consider transferring to the the law school at the University of Arkansas. While seeking admission, he spent one year studying economics at Atlanta University.
Robert A. Leflar, then dean of the University of Arkansas School of Law, turned down Davis’ application in 1946 due to incomplete admission materials. Despite his decision, Leflar was inspired by Davis’ educational ambitions, leading him to develop a plan for integration at the university.
Two years later, the university announced Black law students who met admissions qualifications would be admitted. However, Black students would be taught separately from White students and would not have access to various university facilities. Although these conditions deterred Davis from reapplying, the University of Arkansas soon enrolled its first Black student, Silas Hunt. Davis ultimately returned to Howard University, graduating with his law degree in 1949.
After a few years practicing law in Arkansas, Davis moved to Texas in 1952 to teach business courses at historically Black Paul Quinn College. He went on to open the first solo practice for a Black lawyer in Fort Worth. Later in his career, he was elected the first Black judge of a state district court in Tarrant County. He served as a district judge for two decades, including service as a senior visiting judge before his retirement.
