In addition, TSU proudly boasts a recorded version of Branton on its website, as one of its most accomplished alumnae with the following outline: “Individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to society while assisting in the growth and success of the university. Ninety forty-two graduate, Leo Branton Jr., litigated some of the most celebrated civil rights cases in American history. After establishing the first Black-owned law practice in California, he served Nat King Cole, Dorothy Dandridge, the Platters and other well-known African American celebrities. But his own claim to fame was his defense of lesser-known Americans. His career defining case was the successful defense of civil rights activist, Angela Davis, which garnered nationwide attention in 1972. Attorney Leo Branton, a history maker.”

His colorful career is punctuated with legendary cases other attorneys merely dream about. Branton crossed legal swords with a giant New York music corporation in the New York Supreme Court, and he also went up against the United States government in the U. S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal in 1985.

Branton is the oldest the five children of Leo Branton Sr. and Pauline Wiley. One of his brothers, the late Wiley Branton, also distinguished himself as a legal scholar; he was the dean of Howard University Law School and a colleague of Thurgood Marshall. His wife, the late Geraldine Branton, was just as active in the community as Branton was as a lawyer; they had one son and two stepsons.

The Branton family used to host Mother Rosa Parks as a distinguished houseguest annually when she visited Los Angeles.

“Legends” is the brainchild of Danny J. Bakewell Sr., executive publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel. Every week it will highlight the accomplishments of African Americans and Africans.

Published in : News, Legends