Month: July 2020

The UK’s history is populated with a number of hidden voices that have made great strides towards equality. It is important that we keep learning from their stories so that we can improve our own morals. It takes one strong voice to change the world. That is why we wish to end our article series on a more modern case study. This is Tunji Sowande, the first black judge.

Now, as discussed in our recent articles, BAME figures in the law faced a struggle against racism in British society. This made it difficult to be accepted in the 1800’s. It paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps into the following century. However, the 1900’s were also rife with racial tensions. Although people from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia were often encouraged to return to England after WWII. Those who came over often met with abuse and discrimination from those who they lived and worked with. Racial discrimination was not illegal until 1965 with the Race Relations Act, which shows how many obstacles Tunji Sowande had to face.

Imagine coming over to the UK in 1945, a time when the face of Britain was changing with the end of WWII and the birth of the post-war consensus. It was a time of turmoil, but the success of Tunji Sowande in the legal system was a triumph for equality. As the first Nigerian judge in the UK, Tunji Sowande stood as an icon of justice but also as a figurehead of BAME youths all over the country. This is his story.

Who is Tunji Sowande?

Tunji Sowande was born in 1912 in Lagos, Nigeria, to a very successful family. Not only was his father, Emmanuel Sowande, famous for his contributions to church music in Lagos, but his brother, Fela Sowande, became a MBE and practically the father of modern African classical music.  Having this stable background behind him, it is not surprising that Sowande went on to accomplish great things. But what is surprising is that law was not his first choice. In fact, not only did he obtain a Diploma in Pharmacy in 1940. He worked with Lagos’ Public Health Department as a dispensing pharmacist.

Sowande’s career goals then changed to law as a stable profession, aiming to go to the UK to start practicing and also pursue his musical skills. Clearly, what we can learn from this is that he was an extremely well-rounded man. He had many interested and had the passion and drive to pursue them. Britain became a land of opportunity for those in the BAME community and still is to this day. Therefore, a question comes to mind: how do we support people in similar situations, for example, today, perhaps in poorer socio-economic circumstances? Law is not an easy profession to get in to, especially with the amount of debt that students can get into. Have a think about how you, in a strong position as a member of the legal profession, can make an impact on the life of someone who needs that help.

A man of many talents

Now, it is clear that Sowande was someone who possessed an immense amount of talent. Not only were his scholarly pursuits at the CMS Anglican Grammar School and Yaba Higher College extremely successful, but he proved to be an excellent business man by setting up his private Pharmacy business alongside Adeyinka Oyekan, the Oba/King of Lagos.

Just to add to this growing list of talents, Sowande was also an extremely talented musician. Not only was he a fantastic baritone singer, but he could also play the organ and later the drums and saxophone. He wanted to hone in these skills by coming to the UK, however he understood that he could not live on music alone. That is why he decided to pursue a career in Law, as this would allow him a change of scene and allow him to follow up his primary passions.

The passion behind his ambitions is something that we can admire today. Isn’t it inspiring to see people chase after the things they want without being held back? Nowadays, we have progressed to the point where we can do that, and find our own ways of making sure people are not held back. So, imagine the struggle endured in order to pursue his dreams. During this period of racial tension, it was certainly not an easy job.

Britain & Racism in the 1900’s

To add some context behind Sowande’s story, it’s important that we also take a look at British history. That way you can empathise with Sowande’s experience and understand some of the struggles he went through. As more and more people immigrated to the UK, in 1919 more large racist attacks began to hit BAME communities in London, Liverpool, Hull, Manchester, South Shields and in Scotland and Wales. Although the influx of migrant workers provided a boost to Britain’s economy, racism still prevented certain people from gaining jobs in specific fields, such as the armed services. Some British laws were also extremely racist, including the Coloured Alien Seamen’s Order of 1925 and the 1981 British Nationality Act.

Due to the spread of racism in the UK, it was not surprising that resistance to these laws began to rise. These resistance groups began to organize political demonstrations, such as Grumwick Strike in 1976 and Black People’s Day of Action in 1981. There were also a number of demonstrations protesting police violence and racism in the 1970s/1980s. The 1900’s is an era of turmoil and rising tensions between different communities of people. That is why it was such a breakthrough when Sowande became the first black judge in the UK. It was a symbol of what justice in the UK should look like and that everyone was equal under the eyes of the law.

Tunji Sowandes’ Legal Successes

Sowande studied law at King’s college in London and managed to pass his Bar Finals at Lincoln’s Inn. He was then offered a full tenancy at the 3 Kings Bench Walk Chambers after he was called to the Bar in 1952. This left him in shock, as tenancies in these prestigious chambers had not previously been permitted to Black Barristers due to a racial restriction. Although he initially refused it on account of his music career, he was eventually persuaded by his Pupil Master who claimed that his exceptional intellect would serve him well in a career at the Bar.

Racial tensions aside, it is clear from this that we can see the conflict between Sowande’s passions and his career prospects. Although he could have been a successful musician in the UK, his Pupil Master’s faith in his abilities gave him the push he needed to move forward with his career.

Criminal Law & The Future Career of Tunji Sowande

Specializing in Criminal Law, Sowande handled complex criminal matters and rose to Head of Chambers in 1968. This made him the first Black Head of a major Barrister’s chambers set. Not only that but in 1978, his hard work earned him the title of the first Black Deputy Judge in Snaresbrook, and eventually in the crown courts of Corydon, Inner London and Knightsbridge. It was then that he was promoted further to a “Recorder of the Crown Court”, or in other terms, the first black judge.

Sowande held a lot of power in this position and used it well. Understanding that now he was at a place of authority and experience, he helped promote the careers of a number of successful lawyers from BAME backgrounds. This included Kim Hollis QC, a popular female Asian lawyer, who Sowande offered a tenancy and mentored at the very start of her career.

It is important that we learn from this example. We can all progress to dizzying heights in our careers, but does that really matter when there are still inspired youths at the start of their careers that need a little bit of guidance to push them forward? The youth are the future. If they come from BAME communities then they may not have all of the opportunities that other people have had. You could have more impact on someone’s life than you realise.

Sowande & Racial Discrimination

As we look through Sowande’s past, it is important to think of the struggles that he went through whilst pursuing his career. This was a period of turmoil between different spheres both culturally and professionally, therefore Sowande needed to become an amalgamation of the two.

An example of blatant discrimination that Sowande did experience in his career was during an interview in the barrister’s chambers. It is odd to think that in such a place of professionalism, the interviewer outright said to him that he should return to ”bongo-bongo land.” Take a moment to imagine that. You are an established barrister with a wide range of professional experience and talents that shows that you are an extremely well-rounded person. Yet it still is not enough in the eyes of a judgemental community.

We need to consider the wider contexts at play that affected Sowande’s career progressions. Sometimes there are simply factors that are out of our control that can impede people’s growth both personally and professionally. What is important is not to stoop to the same level, instead it is our job to change the minds of others through persuasion, kindness and empathy. You can change the world if you change your mind. This is the ultimate moral behind why it is so important to know Sowande’s life.

Creative Pursuits

Although Sowande’s main claim to fame are his achievements in the world of law. It’s important not to forget about his other passions. His main aim coming to the UK was to pursue a career in music, using a legal pathway to support himself financially. During his time at King’s College in London, he focused on Jazz, Classical and Choral music, also collaborating on live sets with contemporary musicians like Johnny Dankworth, Paul Robesons, Ambrose Campbell, Edumondo Ros and Ronnie Scott.

It is clear that his music was inspired by his family and cultural roots. Rita Cann, a famous Black Singer and Pianist, partnered with Sowande on several projects. Together, they joined a group of Black intellectuals and musicians. This was at the flat of John Payne, an African-American musician, in Regent’s park.

Charity & Music

A lot of the music he did make throughout his life was for charitable purposes, including entertaining elderly audiences with Rita Cann around the UK. Creativity and kindness were important values in his life. To provide happiness to those who were in a more vulnerable situation was an act of kindness that could inspire others to follow in his footsteps. This is what we need to think about when we think about BAME communities in the present. How can we be kind to each other and what can we do that can truly help each other? Most importantly, how can we truly listen to one-another so that we can develop and learn from the experiences of others. These are all important lessons to think about.

Sport & Social Communities

As you can see from Sowande’s life, he was not a man to simply sit around. This man had a wide range of passions that kept him busy. They helped him develop connections in a number of different communities- something that would be incredibly difficult during this time of racial tension. He was an extremely active member of the Hurlingham sports club, the Marylebone Cricket Club and the Crystal Palace Football Club. What is interesting about this is the fact that Sowande chose not to solely be a member of his own ex-pat community. Instead, he expanded himself to pursue every passion he could. In turn, this proved that he was any man’s equal. There was no divide. Instead, sport provided a facility for people to meet as equals on the playing field.

The Together in Football Foundation

We move away from the life of Tunji Sowande for just a moment. That way we can talk more about the impact of sport on community and growth. Here at Gowing Law, we think it is important that we support everyone. That is why we have set up “The Together in Football Foundation”. This is a charity where children of all backgrounds can enjoy a game of football together. We aim to unite all communities under a game where they can get to know each other. This is where everyone can grow bonds by having fun against other teams.

If you are interested in supporting this cause, please follow the link below to our foundation page:

The impact of Tunji’s Sowande’s life on the UK

It is a shame that the life of Tunji Sowande has not received more attention. He is an example of a multi-talented man who achieved so much in his lifetime. His life serves as a reminder of why everyone deserves respect. Everyone deserves the chance of obtain success for themselves and their families. We cannot just hide away from the fact that he was from a well-off background. He was eligible for more opportunities than others may have had. However, he used these opportunities to become a figure of justice in the UK. These opportunities were then passed along for the next generation.

We, as a nation, should celebrate the progression we have made for equal opportunities for people of all races. However we should also use it to reflect on the past and what we need to improve on. Everyone deserve justice and to feel safe and secure in a nation that treats everyone’s rights with respect.

Gowing Law hopes you have enjoyed our blog series!

Here at Gowing Law, we believe in equality. We will support everyone who comes to our trained solicitors for help. That way they can get the justice that they deserve.

We hope that our series has shed some light on a few of the many BAME law figures. These are the voices that paved the way for others in present-day Britain. It is important that we celebrate their achievements. However we also need to listen to the voices of minority figures. That way we can hear them express their own experiences and make important changes to our society.

If you have enjoyed our series, our blog page also has a number of detailed law blogs. They are perfect reading if you are interested in pursuing a legal issue. Make sure to read them before you leave our website!

When we think about BAME figures in the field of law, it is important that we look into the experiences of all genders. Although BAME men struggled to find their place in the UK’s judicial system, women had an even tougher job. Think about it this way. In the past, racial intolerance was prevalent through all walks of British culture. Racial tension was in the arts, science, politics and, especially, in the justice system.

However, for women there was the additional discrimination factor of gender. Nowadays, we know that this sort of treatment should not be allowed in any sort of career. For this we can look at the recent news about pregnant women being unfairly furloughed or simply not being paid at all! The government has stated that this sort of treatment is “completely unacceptable.” But back in the Victorian era, it was a constant fact of life.

This brings us to the latest focus of our series “celebrating BAME voices & their contribution to the field of law”. Today we are going to talk about the life and impact of Cornelia Sorabji. She was the first woman to get a degree in India and the UK. We will look at her life, the challenges that she has faced and why she is still an important BAME role model for any young woman interested in involving themselves in the world of law.

Who was Cornelia Sorabji?

Although Cornelia Sorabji was never officially called to the bar, she was known as England’s first female barrister. Not only that but she was the first female graduate of an Indian University (Bombay University). This meant that she was the first woman to practice law in both India and the UK. However, it was not until the sex disqualification (removal) act came into play that she was actually awarded her law degree. This was almost 30 years after she sat her exams in the first place!

Cornelia Sorabji’s personal background

Throughout her life, Cornelia Sorabji faced discrimination and adversity for nearly every single project she set herself on. She was an intelligent woman with parents that believed in her right to have an education. Her father was an extremely open-minded reverend (Reverend Sorbji Karsedji). Her mother (Francina Ford) was adopted by a wealthy British couple. She helped local women learn about their inheritance and property rights.

It is thanks to both these parents that Bombay University opened its doors to her. She graduated with extremely high marks, endeavouring to enrol in Deccan college with the help of a government scholarship to study in England. However, this was denied to her due to her gender.

In order to get over this hurdle, Cornelia Sorbji wrote to the National Indian Association in 1888. She received support from influential figures, like Mary Hobhouse, Florence Nightingale and Sir William Wedderburn. These figures all contributed to her funds and wrote petitions to Oxford University to accept her as a student. Due to this help she was able to study a postgraduate degree in law at Oxford in 1892. She even became a reader at Oxford’s Codrington Library.

Cornelia Sorabji was not awarded this degree. However she did return to India in 1894 to involve herself in social and advisory law. This was mostly on behalf of “purdahnashins”, women who were segregated from the male world, and orphans. Her clients often owned their own property but did not have the legal experience, or rights, to defend it. This is why Sorabji would often enter their pleas on their behalf in front of British legal agents.

Discrimination & Cornelia Sorabji’s legal position

One of the main problems that came with Sorabji’s qualifications in India is that she could not use them properly. She was still treated as “only a woman”. Therefore she had no legal agency or professional standing within the Indian legal system. That is why she decided to undertake a LLB (Latin Legum Baccalaure) examination in Bombay University. She also took a pleader’s examination in the Allahabad High Court. Although she was able to pass both examinations, she was not formally recognised as a barrister until 1923. Instead, she became a “lady assistant” to the court of wards in Began, Bihar, Orissa and Assam.

It is through this work that she was able to help around 600 women and orphans in the legal sphere. Sometimes she did this without charging them anything. Sorabji was a very powerful woman and always spoke her mind. She clearly had a strong sense of justice and knew how to speak for vulnerable people. Overcoming a wide range of obstacles clearly gave her the confidence to continue with her work. Her attitudes were shaped by her experiences with both British and Indian society .

Eventually, she did end up settling in England after she retired in 1929. Sorabji died in her home in Finsbury Park in 1954. By then she had finally received her degrees and was a fully legally qualified barrister.

The strength of a voice

As we think about the lives of BAME figures in law, we should consider what changed them to fit their “sphere” of work.

Sorabji was already at a huge disadvantage to her peers due to her gender. Throughout her life, she was strong and outspoken. However her talents were only truly taken seriously when a white social figure vouched for her abilities. This is what makes her life a little tragic. Despite her amount of strength, she found that she was not taken seriously by UK law officials. Higher authorities only listened when there was someone tey viewed as an “equal” to convince them. This experience may well have inspired her to provide justice to those who were victimized for their gender and status. They could not speak, so she decided to speak for them.

The duality of legalities in India and England.

The main question is, how much did British culture actually influence Cornelia Sorabji? Clearly at the start of her career, Sorabji stuck true to her own principles. According to Helen Rappaport, she had no desire to see

“the wholesale imposition of a British legal system on Indian society any more than she sought the transplantation of other Western values.“

Although she battled fiercely against these oppressive systems, she did try to promote culture reform. However, as she grew older she started to adopt anti-nationalist positions. This was mostly seen in the 1920s. She claimed that it was essential that Britain was in India. This was to prevent toxic values from old national beliefs from getting worse. This did hurt her campaign for justice, including her social reforms. These included her plans for the “league for Infant Welfare, Maternity, and District Nursing.”

If we think carefully about this change, clearly it was due to her experiences in both England and India. Perhaps the feeling of hitting a patriarchal barrier time and time again slowly began to wear on her? The UK did have its faults. However, compared to the adversity of the Indian legal system, perhaps Sorabji only felt like an equal in the UK. She adapted to fit her environment. Eventually, she used her experiences to push to change parts of the culture around her that she found toxic. That way the most vulnerable could eventually have a voice.

Cornelia Sorabji’s legacy

As a champion of woman’s suffrage in both England and India, Sorabji stands as a strong feminist icon. Despite gaining many qualifications, people did not see her as an experienced barrister even after years of work. This was discrimination in its purest form. But she still continued to provide justice to women in Indian.

In terms of her own achievements, in 1909, she received the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal. This was to thank her for her efforts to reform legalities against women.  It included her orthodox Hindu stances on child marriage and widows. This is why it is sad that UK history has hid her away. Her visibility is a clear sign that young BAME women have so much potential. They need to receive the right support. These opportunities opportunities can help them forward with their lives.

Most of all, Sorabji provides the precedent for female lawyers studying in the UK. No matter the colour of a woman’s skin, she can achieve great things if given the right opportunities.

What can we learn from Cornelia Sorabji?

Sorabji’s tale shows a moral lesson. Even the most intelligent of people are put down if legal structures fail to support them in their ambitions. White allies are imperative to help push forward unheard voices. These voices have the potential to do great thing if given the proper tools.

Our society has progressed forward with the rights of women and different ethnic groups. However we still have a long way to go before we are all considered to be ”truly equal”. No doubt, If Cornelia Sorabji was born into this time period, she would have gone even further in her career.

Either way, her impact played a crucial role in speaking for the oppressed.  We will never forget her voice.

We are all equal under the eyes of the law

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we think it is crucial to support the BAME community and their calls for equality. We support all of our employees! They would always be willing to help anyone who was truly in need of justice. That is why it is important to bring light to the stories of BAME figures in UK legal history. That way we can applaud their accomplishments.

Join us for our next celebration of BAME legal figures in our next blog. This will be about the life of Tunji Sowande, the first Black Judge in the UK. Don’t forget to look at our previous blog about Christian Frederick Cole, the first black UK barrister.