Two African American lawyers honored with portraits in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Neighbors gathered at the Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Chattanooga for the unveiling portraits of Noah Parden and Styles Hutchins. 

Parden and Hutchins were two African American lawyers from Chattanooga. 

They obtained a stay of execution in 1906 for African American criminal defendant, Ed Johnson. 

Parden and Hutchins were honored for their courageous defense. 

“To represent a condemned man and make sure that he received due process of law, that is a message to every lawyer. You should do the best that you can, whatever case you take on, regardless of personal consequences that you face yourself,” said U.S. District Judge Curtis Collier.

The Supreme Court Historical Society also announced the “My Hometown Program.” 

It’s a two-week civic court summer camp for high school students that will kick off in 2024.