First African American woman to practice law in Iowa, and a pioneering figure in the fight for women's and civil rights.
Gertrude Elzora Durden Rush was a pioneering figure in the American legal system, known for being the first African American female lawyer in Iowa, admitted to the Iowa bar in 1918. Her remarkable journey paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in the legal profession.
Gertrude was born on August 5, 1880, in Navasota, Texas, to Sarah E. and Frank Durden. She attended high schools in Parsons, Kansas, and Quincy, Illinois, before teaching in Oswego, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and Des Moines, Iowa. Her thirst for knowledge led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Des Moines College in 1914.
Rush earned a law degree through a distance learning facility, La Salle Extension University. This achievement was significant, as she became the only African American female lawyer in Iowa until 1950. She took over her husband's law practice after his death and went on to make history by becoming the first African American female lawyer to practice law in Iowa.
In 1921, Rush was elected president of the Colored Bar Association, a testament to her growing reputation as a leader in the legal community. In 1925, she co-founded the Negro Bar Association, along with four other African American lawyers, after being denied admission to the American Bar Association.
Gertrude Rush's legacy extends beyond her legal career. She was an activist in the civil rights and suffrage movements, fighting for equal rights and opportunities for women and minorities. Her work paved the way for future generations of women lawyers, judges, and civil rights leaders.
The Gertrude E. Rush Distinguished Service Award is given by the National Bar Association in her honor. As of 2017, the Iowa National Bar Association is erecting a public art project, A Monumental Journey, to recognize Rush's monumental contributions to the legal profession and her role in breaking down racial and gender barriers.
Gertrude Rush's remarkable life and legacy serve as a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and commitment to breaking down barriers. Her trailblazing spirit continues to inspire future generations of women lawyers, judges, and civil rights leaders.
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