The Making of an Advocate: Duane E. Cox Sr.’s Enduring Legacy of Justice and Representation
Rooted in his early years at 5X, Duane E. Cox Sr., ’75, has devoted his career to fostering community and advocating for others. Duane, a native of Cleveland, first wanted to become an architect before discovering his affinity for political science and law. He was very active in the Black United Students (BUS) as an undergraduate, holding the positions of vice president and president at a pivotal time in the group's history. His leadership had a lasting impact on the university as BUS was able to raise significant funding and helped develop the Institute of African American Affairs, now known as the Department for Africana Studies, and secured dedicated space in Oscar Ritchie Hall.
Duane obtained a law degree from the University of Akron in 1979, the only Black graduate of his law school class. He started his own firm and tirelessly defended injured employees for more than 44 years as a workers' compensation lawyer. Now semi-retired, Duane maintains ties to Kent State and takes pride in the impact it had on his family. He met his beloved wife Jackie Means Cox, ’78, at Kent State, and their son, Matthew, ’07, continued the family’s Golden Flash legacy, even serving as president of BUS in 2006. Duane views Kent State as a life-changing institution that opened his path for success and sparked a commitment to education and representation. Get to know Duane in his own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
DC: Peace and harmony for all mankind.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
DC: Kindness.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
DC: Impatience.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
DC: My mother Ernestine Cox. She told me that I should never forget where I came from, that I was just a “little project boy” and to be humble. In my undergraduate years, Dr. Edward Crosby instilled in me the thirst for knowledge. In my law school days, Judge Joseph D. Roulhac, who I clerked for, taught me how to think and love the law.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
DC: Serving as president of Black United Students and meeting my wife.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
DC: My favorite journey was the four years that I dated my wife. It was a great adventure. My travel journey was to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on a cruise I took with the Kent State alumni in 1985.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
DC: Chef Emeril Lagasse’s bread pudding at his New Orleans restaurant.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
DC: 44 years practicing law and 40 years in private practice with my own law firm representing injured workers.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
DC: Although not possible, I would come back as myself - to correct things I had done wrong.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
DC: My first class at the university was at 7:45 a.m. It was Black cosmology at the Institute of African-American Affairs (now the Department of Pan-African Culture in Oscar Ritchie Hall) with my professor Subash Shah! He was an extraordinary man who impressed upon me the importance of a college education