Christopher Columbus Mercer (1924 - 2012)

Born 27 Mar 1924 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA

Died 20 Nov 2012 at age 88 in Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

C. C. Mercer is Notable.

Christopher Columbus "C.C." Mercer was an American attorney. He was one of the "six pioneers" who integrated the University of Arkansas Law School. He served as an NAACP field representative to advise Daisy Bates, who spearheaded the efforts of the Little Rock Nine. ^[1]

Christopher Columbus Mercer Jr., originally named Castor Mercer Jr., was born on March 27, 1924, in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. He was the son of Castor Cristor Mercer and Tarvell Linda (Shears) Mercer. Christopher's father worked as a mechanic for the St. Louis Southwestern Railroad, also known as the Cotton Belt, while his mother owned a dry-cleaning business. He had one brother and a half-brother.

In 1946, Christopher Mercer graduated with an AB in social services from the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N), which is now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. During his undergraduate years, he also taught at Corbin High School, located on the AM&N campus, where he instructed students in algebra, geometry, and U.S. history. Following his graduation, he assumed the role of principal at Conway County Training School in Menifee from 1946 to 1949. During this time, he taught eighth-grade mathematics, algebra, geometry, civics, and American government.

Christopher Mercer's educational journey continued as he enrolled at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas. He and George W. B. Haley were among the third and fourth African American students admitted to the School of Law, marking them as part of the group known as the Six Pioneers, as they played a significant role in the integration of the institution. Mercer's pursuit of a law degree was interrupted several times as he dropped out to earn money to finance his education. Despite these challenges, he passed the bar exam in March 1954, achieving the highest score in his group. His license to practice law was issued on May 17, 1954.

After being admitted to the bar, Mercer worked alongside Wiley Austin Branton, another African American law school graduate from the University of Arkansas. However, his passion for civil rights soon led him to become more actively involved in these activities. He also became a member of the Arkansas Council on Human Relations and served as the Arkansas field secretary for the NAACP in 1957 and 1958. Notably, during the Central High Desegregation Crisis in Little Rock, he served as an "aide-de-camp" to Daisy Bates and played a crucial role in transporting the Little Rock Nine to and from school during their first semester.

In January 1967, Christopher Mercer made history when he was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney in Little Rock, becoming the first African American person to hold such a position in any Southern state. He served in this role for over three years. Later, he ventured into private legal practice in Little Rock in 1958, collaborating with other attorneys at various points in his career, including partnerships with E. V. Trimble between 1959 and 1961 and Delector Tiller between 1961 and 1963.

On June 15, 1955, Christopher Mercer married Inez Wyatt (maiden name Le May) in Benton, Saline County, Arkansas. They had seven children together but ultimately divorced on November 21, 1983, in Sacramento, California. In 1984, Mercer married Pamela James, and together they had two children.

In 2004, Mercer celebrated his fiftieth year in the practice of law, marking a long and accomplished legal career. His contributions and achievements were recognized in 2011 when he received the Silas Hunt Legacy Award, which acknowledges African Americans for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to society.

Christopher Columbus Mercer Jr. passed away on November 20, 2012, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. He was laid to rest at Haven of Rest Cemetery in Little Rock. Throughout his life, Mercer was actively involved in various civic organizations, including Bethel A.M.E. Church in Little Rock, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the 20th Century Knights Social Club, and numerous other community groups. His legacy continues to inspire those who admire his dedication to civil rights and his impressive legal career.

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Chris Mercer (activist)," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chris_Mercer_(activist)&oldid=1178463045 (accessed November 5, 2023).

• Kilpatrick, Judith, University of Arkansas School of Law, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 20 Oct 2023, "Christopher Columbus Mercer Jr. (1924–2012)." Accessed 5 Nov 2023.
• 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas; Roll: 1010; Page: 1; Enumeration District: 35-59B Ancestry Record 62308 #31859964
• Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1955; Film: #4 Ancestry Record 61775 #1288341
• Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1955; Film: #4 Ancestry Record 61775 #1288341
• U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #92952687
• Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101406028/christopher-c-mercer: accessed 05 November 2023), memorial page for Christopher C. -C.C.- Mercer Jr. (27 Mar 1924–20 Nov 2012), Find A Grave: Memorial #101406028, citing Haven of Rest Cemetery, Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by Louis Craig (contributor 47144939).