James T. Phillips, First African American Lawyer in Pasadena, California, Photograph and Real Photo Postcards, 1923

Lot of 3 items related to attorney James T. Phillips, comprising: 2 real photo postcards of the Francisca building on 22-26 West Dayton Street in Pasadena, built by attorney James T. Phillips, circa 1923. One of the postcards features the building, the other shows Phillips and his female staff standing at the front door. Also includes a small 1.5 x 2 in. photographic portrait of Phillips. James Phillips started as a Professor at Virginia Normal & Industrial Institute (now part of Virginia State University), a Black land-grant college. He then became a pharmacist before reading law and becoming Pasadena's first African American lawyer. He commissioned the Francisca building for occupancy by African American businesses including his law firm and real estate office. Condition: Very good condition.