Reflections on The Black Experience at Grinnell through Collected Oral Histories
Stuart Yeager ’82, DHL ’24 revisits his foundational research on the history of Black students at Grinnell College. Starting his senior year at Grinnell and continuing through the first two years of law school, Yeager conducted 40 oral histories with Black alumni and contextualized their narratives within archival research in the College’s first century. Through this work, Yeager became one of the first Grinnellians to interview Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith ’37, DHL ’19 and appreciate her standing as the first Black alumna of the College.
Discussion date: Thursday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. CT
Please view the presentation before the attending a discussion session, so that you are able to formulate questions and engage in the discussion with Stuart and fellow alums.
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Meet Stuart Yeager
Stuart Allan Yeager’s (’82) life journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, advocacy, and compassion. From his roots in Washington, D.C., to his illustrious career as an immigration attorney, Yeager has dedicated himself to defending the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape.
His academic pursuits began at Grinnell College, where he majored in American studies with a concentration in African American Studies. During his undergraduate years, he demonstrated a keen intellect and a deep-seated commitment to social justice, culminating in groundbreaking research projects such as his study on the treatment of Jamaican immigrants in 1950s London and his extensive examination of the Black experience at Grinnell College.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Yeager pursued a Juris Doctor degree at Tulane University School of Law, where he honed his legal acumen and embarked on a career dedicated to making a difference. Admitted to both the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania bars, he began his legal career at prestigious law firms, specializing in transportation law and later international aviation law.
In 1989, Yeager founded his own law firm, Yeager & Etkind, where he focused on legal and regulatory issues facing transportation companies. With the implementation of NAFTA in the late 1980s, he played a pivotal role in representing U.S. trucking companies seeking entry into the Canadian market, showcasing his expertise and commitment to facilitating global commerce.
However, his career took a significant turn in 1994 when President Bill Clinton deregulated surface transportation, prompting him to expand his practice to include immigration law. Over the next three decades, he exclusively practiced immigration and nationality law, representing thousands of immigrants from over 120 countries. His dedication to his clients and his unwavering commitment to justice have earned him widespread acclaim and respect within the legal community.
Throughout his career, he has been a tireless advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable, taking on a diverse array of cases ranging from defending victims of female genital mutilation and torture survivors to representing victims of domestic violence and persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals. His notable cases include handling early same-sex marriage cases after the landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.
Beyond his legal career, Yeager is a devoted family man and an active member of his community. He is the proud father of two accomplished children, Allison and Jeremy, and has been married to his wife, Dr. Amy Friedman Yeager, for 35 years. Together, they have built a life rooted in service, compassion, and dedication to others. In his free time, he enjoys indulging his passions for reading, art collecting, traveling, and being active. As a native Washingtonian, he is an avid supporter of the Washington Commanders and the Washington Nationals, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to his hometown.
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The Black Experience at Grinnell through Collected Oral Histories with Stuart Yeager ’82: