Ruffin, George L(ewis) (1834–1886)

US lawyer. While making his living as a barber, Ruffin spoke out on matters concerning African-Americans. In 1869 he became the first black person to graduate from Harvard Law School, and in 1883 he became a municipal judge. His wife, Josephine St Pierre Ruffin, was a partner in his many efforts to improve the social conditions of African-Americans.