The Life of Benjamin Covington

Covington was a black physician in Houston for fifty-eight years, during which time he also practiced civil rights activism and participated in multiple civic organizations.

Memphis Ben Covington may have been the same individual who recorded for Vocalion Records under the moniker “Bogus Blind.” According to Big Joe Williams, Covington often pretended to be blind in order to make more money playing street corners.

Early Life and Education

This mansion, once used as both a hospital and hotel, is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Northern Kentucky. It also features an underground tunnel leading from its basement directly into Licking River that may have been used by escaped slaves on their journey towards freedom in Ohio. Dr. Covington was active in civic associations such as Omega Fraternity and Young Men’s Christian Association as well as being an Antioch Baptist Church member who practiced medicine until his death on July 21, 1961.

Benjamin Covington was born near Marlin as the son of former slaves. Throughout his early years he spent his days farming and attending school, graduating from Hearne Baptist Academy in 1892 before teaching. However, due to opposition from some local members who believed his salary was too much for an African American teacher he soon left teaching and left teaching altogether.

Professional Career

Covington dates back to 1919 when it was founded in Washington, DC with an innovative focus on regulatory matters. From that date forward, they have been involved in many key legal cases since, such as representing companies subject to FDA, FCC or IRS investigations or audits.

Covington boasts a distinguished sports law practice, and is highly-respected for their white collar defense team – named one of Vault’s five firms for White Collar Defense & Internal Investigations. Covington has represented clients facing everything from fraud allegations to whistleblower claims.

Ben Haley heads the firm’s Africa practice, assisted by team leaders Deon Govender, Muzi Kubeka, and Mosa Mkhize. Their counsel covers everything from antitrust matters and financing agreements, media rights deals, sponsorship contracts and sponsorship packages.

Achievement and Honors

Covington was both an outstanding athlete and dedicated student. At Proviso West High School in Hillside, Illinois–a western suburb of Chicago–his height and shooting ability attracted attention from basketball coaches.

After graduating, he continued playing at Tennessee State University in the Ohio Valley Conference. Despite his thin frame and relative lack of strength, he quickly established himself as the team’s top scorer.

Covington went undrafted by the NBA following his college career and spent 2017-18 playing with Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League, making a substantial impact and eventually being selected to Philadelphia 76ers four-year contract in 2017. Covington quickly established himself as an integral contributor in Philadelphia during this inaugural season with club.

Personal Life

Covington was active in numerous civic and professional organizations. He belonged to the Omega Fraternity, Young Men’s Christian Association and Masonic Lodge as well as attending Antioch Baptist Church where he provided violin accompaniment during church choir rehearsals.

Covington joined other black physicians in Houston’s fourth ward when the existing hospital became overcrowded, to found Houston Negro Hospital which later expanded into Riverside General Hospital. For 10 years he also served as Secretary-Treasurer and then as President of Lone Star State Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association.

Covington testified that he and Cortney share a two-bedroom house where he takes care of her daily needs such as food, clothes, education, transportation and medical insurance coverage. He ensures that she attends school functions, parent-teacher conferences and counseling sessions regularly.

Net Worth

Pro fighting can offer great financial rewards, yet not every fighter can make a living from it. More than winning fights alone is necessary; ticket sales and fan attendance must also be ensured for success in professional fighting.

Covington has done exceptionally well in this department and amassed a substantial net worth through his fast in-cage pace and aggressive brand of trash talking. These activities have enabled him to amass an impressive fortune.

He signed a four-year, $62 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017 and quickly emerged as one of their premier defenders, playing some of his finest basketball in that time frame. Twice during this tenure he has earned All-Defensive First Team recognition.