John Rock (abolitionist)

John Rock
Rock c. 1865
Born
John Stewart Rock

(1825-10-13)October 13, 1825
DiedDecember 3, 1866(1866-12-03) (aged 41)
Other namesJohn Sweatt Rock
Occupation(s)teacher, doctor, dentist, lawyer, and abolitionist

John Stewart Rock (October 13, 1825 December 3, 1866) was an African-American teacher, doctor, dentist, lawyer and abolitionist, historically associated with the coining of the term "black is beautiful" (thought to have originated from a speech he made in 1858, however historical records now indicate he never actually used the specific phrase on that day). Rock was one of the first African-American men to earn a medical degree. In addition, he was the first black person to be admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.