Benjamin E. Mays

Date of Birth: August 1, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 28, 1984

Biography

Benjamin Elijah Mays was a distinguished American educator, minister, scholar, social activist, and the president of Morehouse College from 1940 to 1967. Born in 1894 in South Carolina, Mays was a significant figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and a mentor to Martin Luther King Jr. He dedicated his life to the cause of racial equality and education, advocating for the importance of education as a means to achieve social justice. Under his leadership, Morehouse College became a powerhouse of intellectual and social progress. Mays’ contributions extended beyond education as he played an integral role in various civil rights organizations and was a prominent public speaker and writer.

5 Interesting Facts about Benjamin E. Mays

1. Benjamin E. Mays was an advisor and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., significantly influencing King’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

2. He was the first African American to be appointed to the Atlanta Board of Education.

3. Mays authored several influential books, including “Born to Rebel: An Autobiography” and “The Negro’s God as Reflected in His Literature.”

4. He was a staunch advocate for education, believing it to be the cornerstone of freedom and equality for African Americans.

5. Mays received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 1982.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Benjamin E. Mays

1. “It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”

2. “The circumference of life cannot be rightly drawn until the center is set.”

3. “He who starts behind in the great race of life must forever remain behind or run faster than the man in front.”

4. “Not failure, but low aim, is sin.”

5. “Whatever you do, strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead and no man yet to be born can do it better.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Benjamin E. Mays’ highest net worth is not publicly documented, given the era he lived in and his career in education and social activism, which were not typically associated with significant financial gain.

Children

Benjamin E. Mays and his wife Sadie Gray Mays did not have any biological children, but they were known for their mentorship and guidance to countless students, who often considered them as parental figures.