John S. Rock made history as the first Black lawyer admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He was certified by the court on February 1, 1865, and officially admitted on September 10, 1865.

Rock was not only a lawyer but also a physician, teacher, and abolitionist. He was a strong advocate for African American rights and played a key role in the fight against slavery. His admission to the Supreme Court was a monumental step forward for Black legal professionals in the U.S.