He rose at once to great distinction at the bar of Detroit, and his white brethren at the bar soon recognized him as a good lawyer, a gentleman in his manners, and a faithful advocate. This recognition was made manifest in his election in 1893, to the office of Circuit Court Commissioner for Wayne County, Michigan, a District at that time accredited with a Democratic majority of 4,000 voters; while Mr. Straker was an uncompromising Republican. Mr. Straker's opponents for this office were all white citizens. He was re-elected to same office in 1895, by a majority of over 7,000--his opponents again being all white citizens. He now holds said office, and is spoken of for a third term, which he is likely to obtain, if not deprived through the divisions of a few of his own race, who seem in many instances not content to see one of their own rise to distinction.
Mr. Straker is widely known throughout the United States, having lectured in many States, and attended wellnigh all of the principal conventions, held by his race, since emancipation. He is a contributor to the newspapers and magazines of his race, and also of some of the Anglo-Saxon.
He is an author, having written a book entitled, "The New South Investigated," which has received the widest commendation for its cleverness, impartiality and good taste. He has also written a unique law pamphlet, on the "Larceny of Dogs," showing conclusively that punishment for stealing dogs can only be by statute, dogs being at common law of no value. His pamphlet on "Reflections on the Life and Times of Toussaint-Louverture" is interesting and shows great race pride in the writer.
On December 14, 1895, at a Conference of Colored Men of the United States, held in the city of Detroit, Mich., Mr. Straker was chosen President of the National Federation of Colored Men of the United States of America; an organization established by said conference for the purpose of seeking a remedy, or putting an end to the barbarous practice of lynching colored men in the Southern States, for alleged offences, without trial by law. Already Mr. Straker has placed this organization in the confidence of his race and their white sympathizers, and much good is expected from the agitation created by it of the wrongs done the colored people in the South, both as to their civil, as well as their political rights.