James L. Farmer, Jr.

Date of Birth: January 12, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: July 9, 1999

Biography

James L. Farmer, Jr. was an influential American civil rights activist and leader, renowned for his role as a co-founder of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Born into a family deeply rooted in education and activism, Farmer’s early life was shaped by his father, James Leonard Farmer, Sr., who was the first African American to earn a doctorate in Texas. Farmer attended Wiley College, where he became a member of the debate team, famously depicted in the film “The Great Debaters.” Farmer’s activism took a significant turn when he helped establish CORE in 1942, which played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. CORE was instrumental in organizing the Freedom Rides, a series of integrated bus trips through the American South in 1961, challenging segregation in interstate bus terminals. His efforts, often at great personal risk, were pivotal in the push towards desegregation and equal rights for African Americans. Throughout his life, Farmer continued to advocate for civil rights, serving in various capacities, including as an assistant secretary in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Richard Nixon. He authored the autobiography “Lay Bare the Heart,” which chronicles his experiences and the broader Civil Rights Movement. Farmer’s legacy is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

5 Interesting Facts about James L. Farmer, Jr.

1. James L. Farmer, Jr. was one of the “Big Four” leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., Roy Wilkins, and Whitney Young.

2. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 by President Bill Clinton for his contributions to civil rights.

3. Farmer’s activism was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

4. He was nearly killed during the Freedom Rides when a mob attacked the bus he was on in Anniston, Alabama.

5. Farmer’s father was a professor at Wiley College, which significantly influenced his dedication to education and debate.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James L. Farmer, Jr.

1. “We must be willing to pay the price for freedom, and to pay it with our lives, if necessary.”

2. “Courage, after all, is not being unafraid, but doing what needs to be done in spite of fear.”

3. “The civil rights movement did more than liberate black people; it liberated white people, too.”

4. “We didn’t know what was going to happen, but we knew that it had to be done.”

5. “Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

James L. Farmer, Jr.’s work was primarily in the nonprofit sector, and his highest net worth is not widely documented. However, his contributions to civil rights are invaluable and immeasurable in societal impact.