U.S. History Collection
Northern Jim Crow and Housing Segregation in the 1920s

The Trial

Ossian Sweet and his friends and family members were accused of first-degree murder and imprisoned while they awaited trial. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People hired renowned attorney Clarence Darrow to defend them. Throughout the trial, Darrow gave a series of speeches regarding the prevalence of racism in the northern housing industry and the inability of Black migrants to enjoy the American dream because of racial prejudice.

Click Highlight It to examine an excerpt from Clarence Darrow's defense.

Defendants in the Sweet Trial, 1925. Click to enlarge.

Ten photos arranged in two rows show the professional headshots of Black men. They are wearing dark suit jackets, white shirts, and ties.

Defense attorney Clarence Darrow. Click to enlarge.

A black and white photo shows Clarence Darrow, a white man, dressed in a dark suit and bow tie. He is seated at a chair with his right leg crossed over his left and is resting a pamphlet on his lap. He appears serious as he looks into the camera.

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