Whitney M. Young

Date of Birth: July 31, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 11, 1971

Biography

Whitney M. Young Jr. was a prominent American civil rights leader who played a vital role in the fight for racial equality during the 1960s. Born in Lincoln Ridge, Kentucky, Young dedicated his life to the pursuit of social justice and economic empowerment for African Americans. He was best known for his leadership of the National Urban League, where he served as the Executive Director from 1961 until his untimely death in 1971. Under his guidance, the organization grew significantly and became a powerful advocate for civil rights and economic opportunities for African Americans. He was a key figure in the civil rights movement, working alongside other leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and he was instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

5 Interesting Facts about Whitney M. Young

1. Whitney M. Young Jr. was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 by President Lyndon B. Johnson for his contributions to the civil rights movement.

2. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of sergeant.

3. Young earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota in 1947.

4. He was a major proponent of the “Marshall Plan” for the cities, which aimed to address urban poverty and inequality through federal investment.

5. Whitney Young’s legacy is honored through various institutions and awards, including the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work at Clark Atlanta University and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Conference held by the National Urban League.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Whitney M. Young

1. “You can holler, protest, and carry on, but it is important to get to the table where you can press your demands.”

2. “The hardest work in the world is being out of work.”

3. “Support the strong, give courage to the timid, remind the indifferent, and warn the opposed.”

4. “Every man is our friend, every man is our brother.”

5. “It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Whitney M. Young Jr. was not known for personal wealth; his highest net worth is not documented as he dedicated his life to public service and civil rights advocacy.