Whitney Moore Young

Whitney Moore Young was an American civil rights leader who played a significant role in the struggle for racial equality during the 20th century. He was born on July 31, 1921, in Shelby County, Kentucky, and passed away on March 11, 1971, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Young grew up in a segregated community in Kentucky and experienced racism and discrimination firsthand. He attended Kentucky State University and later earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. After working in various social work and civil rights organizations, Young became the executive director of the National Urban League in 1961.

As the leader of the National Urban League, Young worked to promote economic and social equality for African Americans. He advocated for affirmative action programs to help address racial disparities in employment and education, and he worked to improve access to healthcare and other essential services for minority communities.

Young was also a key figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Roy Wilkins. He was one of the organizers of the March on Washington in 1963, and he was a key negotiator in the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

In addition to his work in the United States, Young was also a prominent figure in international affairs. He served as a consultant to the United States government on issues related to race and poverty, and he worked to promote economic development in Africa.

Today, Young is remembered as a pioneering civil rights leader who worked tirelessly to promote social justice and equality for all. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists and advocates who seek to create a more just and equitable society.