J. R. Clifford

John Robert Clifford
Portrait of J. R. Clifford
Portrait of J. R. Clifford
Born(1848-09-13)September 13, 1848
Williamsport, Virginia, U.S.
DiedOctober 6, 1933(1933-10-06) (aged 85)
Martinsburg, West Virginia, U.S.
Occupation
  • Attorney
  • publisher
  • editor
  • writer
  • teacher
  • principal
Literary movementAfrican-American journalism
Niagara Movement
Civil Rights
Notable worksThe Pioneer Press
Website
www.jrclifford.org

J. R. Clifford (September 13, 1848 – October 6, 1933) was West Virginia's first African-American attorney. Clifford was also a newspaper publisher, editor and writer, school teacher, and principal. He was a Civil War veteran, grandfather, as well as a civil rights pioneer and founding member of the Niagara Movement (forerunner to the NAACP). Despite boundaries derived from racial discrimination, Clifford's accomplishments were great, reflecting his ability and determination.