University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

The urban public law school with a small liberal arts feel

The Inns of UMKC Harold L. Holliday (1918-1985)   Harold L. Holliday was born in Oklahoma in 1918 but moved to Kansas City at the age of two. Holliday was the first African American person admitted to the Kansas City School of Law (in 1952). He went on to be an active member of Freedom, Inc., a civil rights activist and a lawyer known for his fiery oratory. An army veteran, he had both bachelor and masters degrees in economics in addition to his law degree. Holliday was a steadfast democrat and served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 1965-1976, helping to pass public accommodations laws that opened up motels and restaurants to African Americans. He was once described by the Kansas City Star as the "most talented and respected member of the General Assembly." His death in 1985 has been described as the end of a legend for Kansas City.