ST. LOUIS – George Vaughn, a prominent lawyer from St. Louis, played a pivotal role in reshaping American civil rights through landmark Supreme Court cases in the mid-20th century.
Vaughn, who served as an Assistant Attorney General in Missouri, was instrumental in the 1948 Shelley v. Kraemer case, which successfully challenged racially restrictive covenants that prevented Black people from buying homes in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Vaughn established his law practice in St. Louis early in the 20th century and became actively involved in local politics. He was a founding member and the first president of the Mound City Bar Association, highlighting his commitment to advancing legal opportunities for African Americans.
Additionally, Vaughn served on the executive committee of the St. Louis NAACP and was a delegate to the 1948 Democratic National Convention, demonstrating his influence in both legal and political spheres. His contributions to civil rights were recognized with the naming of the George L. Vaughn Public Housing Project in the 1950s.
George Vaughn’s legacy as a civil rights advocate and legal pioneer continued to impact St. Louis and the nation until his death in 1949.