J. L. Chestnut, Jr., was an author, attorney, and active in the Civil Rights Movement. Chestnut is noted as being the first black attorney in Selma, Alabama. His attributes towards Civil Rights includes chronicling the history of the Selma Voting Rights Movement, the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights marches and Bloody Sunday. After becoming an attorney at Howard University, he returned home as the only black attorney and began representing Civil Rights demonstrators whose cases were sent to trial. Attorney Chestnut also served as lawyer for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders. He was a co-founder of the New South Coalition, which was formed when the Alabama Democratic Party refused to endorse Jesse Jackson for his presidential run.
More Info
Church Affiliation:First Baptist Church
Role in the Movement:J. L. Chestnut, Jr., was an author, attorney, and active in the Civil Rights Movement.
Birth Place:Grant Parish, LA
Born Date:December 16, 1930
Deceased Date:September 30, 2008
Place Lived as Adult:Selma, AL
Church Location:Birmingham, AL