In Memoriam

• Publication year: 2022
• Pages: 58

In Memoriam No. Vol. 51, No. 8 [Page 58] Colorado Lawyer September, 2022

August, 2022

AROUND THE BAR IN MEMORIAM

Norman Strickland Early Jr.

November 14,1945-May 5,2022

Norman Strickland Early Jr., esteemed public official and fierce advocate for the rights of victims and the betterment of Black lawyers, passed away on May 5, 2022, at the age of 76. Norm was born on November 14, 1945, in Washington, DC, to Norman Strickland Early Sr. and Gloria Robinson Jackson. In Washington, DC, he attended Paul Junior High School and Calvin Coolidge High School. As a student at Coolidge, he distinguished himself as both a scholar and athlete. He was a top college recruit in track and field, and his courses of study included Spanish, which he would continue to use during his trips to Spanish-speaking countries.

After graduating from high school, Norm attended American University (AU), where he earned a bachelor's degree in government and distinguished himself, again, as a student-athlete and campus leader. He was a member of AU's track team for all four of his college years. His coach, JackLinden, modeled a racially integrated team environment and had no tolerance for racism. Norm competed in a variety of events, including the triple jump, long jump, and relays. He still holds records at AU in both the triple jump, second all-time at 14.08 meters, and the long jump, first all-time at 7.04 meters.

It was during his years at AU that Norm's passion for politics began. He served as president of his sophomore class and as vice president of the student association. He also was the first Black elected president of AU's student government. Norm won the 1966 election with 52% of the vote and established a campaign that called for the end of status quo type government and a reorganization of representation in student government based on school enrollment and area of residence. Norm also honed his natural gift of oration at AU, winning the oral interpretation contests at the school's Speech Festival in 1964.

While in college, he joined the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, which was a welcoming all-white organization. He established close relationships with his fraternity brothers, and these connections evolved into many lifelong friendships that supported Norm both professionally and personally.

After graduating from AU, Norm earned a law degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law. At Illinois, his love of competition and...