Whitney M. Young

Whitney M. Young jr, was considered one of the “big six” of the Civil Rights Movement. He was the executive director of the National Urban League. Whitney M. Young jr, was considered one of the “big six” of the Civil Rights Movement. He was the of the National Urban League for ten years. He was the front runner for the equal opportunity drive for black people in the U.S industry and government service. Young was born July 31, 1921, in Lincoln Ridge, Kentucky. Young earned his leadership roles from being the President of his senior graduating class (Kentucky State College), to becoming the executive director of National Urban League for ten years. He was the front runner for the equal opportunity drive for black people in the U.S industry and government service.

Whitney Young served in the U.S army during World War II. Young received his master’s degree in social work, from the University of Minnesota. He became a director of industrial relations of the Urban League in Minnesota from 1947-50. From 1950-54 he was he was the executive secretary of the Urban League branch in Ohama Nebraska. From 1954-61 he was the dean at the School of Social Work at Atlanta University. After his tenor at the School of Social Work at Atlanta University, he became the executive director of National Urban League.

This is when Young became known as one of the most influential black activists of the Civil Rights movement. The Urban League grew from 6- to 98 chapters. Under his leadership he promoted the domestic “Marshall Plan,” which helped aid (western) European nations to economic recovery, after WWII.  His domestic version helped bridge the gap between white political and business leaders and disadvantaged black Americans. Young also worked as an advisor for President’s John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson.  

Young also advocated for architects to be more diverse when giving a speech to the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He mentioned how discrimination was still occurring although laws prohibiting discrimination were no longer in operation. He brought awareness to the lack of diversity allowed for displacement of black communities by placing highways where they live. Upon his address, new funding programs facilitated enrollment of minority students in architecture and urban planning programs.

Young also cosponsored the March on Washington in 1963. This resulted in controversy with the National Urban League. The NUL believed in social services not direct actions. A few years later Young went to Lagos Nigeria where he tragically passed away from drowning.

Thank you, Whitney M. Young for your contributions to the culture!