Roy Wilkins | |
|---|---|
 Wilkins at the White House on April 30, 1968. | |
| Executive Secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People | |
| In office 1955–1977 | |
| Preceded by | Walter Francis White |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Hooks (Executive Director) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 31, 1901 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | September 8, 1981 (aged 80) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Minnie Badeau (m. 1929) |
| Relatives | Roger Wilkins (nephew) |
| Education | University of Minnesota (BA) |
| Awards | Spingarn Medal |
Roy Ottoway Wilkins (August 30, 1901 – September 8, 1981) was an American civil rights leader from the 1930s to the 1970s.[1][2] Wilkins' most notable role was his leadership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in which he held the title of Executive Secretary from 1955 to 1963 and Executive Director from 1964 to 1977.[2] Wilkins was a central figure in many notable marches of the civil rights movement and made contributions to African-American literature.[not verified in body] He controversially advocated for African Americans to join the military.
- ^ Roy Wilkins, Spartacus Educational website, UK
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
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