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Roy Wilkins

10quotes

Roy Wilkins


Full Name and Common Aliases

Roy Ottoway Wilkins was born on August 30, 1901, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is commonly known as Roy Wilkins.

Birth and Death Dates

Born: August 30, 1901
 Died: September 8, 1981 (aged 80)

Nationality and Profession(s)

Wilkins was an American civil rights activist and leader. He served as the Executive Director of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) from 1955 to 1977.

Early Life and Background

Roy Wilkins grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended Sumner High School. His mother was a former slave, and his father worked as a barber. Wilkins' family struggled financially, but they instilled in him a strong sense of self-respect and determination. He began writing for the school newspaper at 13 and later became editor-in-chief.

Major Accomplishments

During his tenure with the NAACP, Wilkins played a crucial role in several landmark civil rights cases:

Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Wilkins worked closely with Thurgood Marshall to argue the case that led to the desegregation of public schools.
 Roe v. Wade (1973): Although not directly involved, his efforts in the area of civil rights paved the way for future feminist and reproductive rights movements.

Notable Works or Actions

Some notable works and actions by Roy Wilkins include:

Editorial work: Wilkins began his career as an editor at The Chicago Defender and later became managing editor at The Kansas City Call.
 Civil Rights Movement participation: He was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, participating in numerous protests, boycotts, and demonstrations.

Impact and Legacy

Wilkins' commitment to civil rights left a lasting impact on American society. He continued advocating for equality throughout his life, often putting himself at risk. His dedication helped bring about significant legislative changes, including:

The Civil Rights Act of 1964: This landmark legislation prohibited segregation in public facilities and employment.
 Voting Rights Act of 1965: The act protected the right to vote for racial minorities.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Roy Wilkins is widely quoted and remembered because of his unwavering commitment to civil rights. As a leader, he inspired countless individuals to fight for equality. His legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and continues to motivate people today.

Quotes by Roy Wilkins

The talk of winning our share is not the easy one of disengagement and flight, but the hard one of work, of short as well as long jumps, of disappointments, and of sweet success.
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The talk of winning our share is not the easy one of disengagement and flight, but the hard one of work, of short as well as long jumps, of disappointments, and of sweet success.
RW
#sweet
Slowly we have lifeted ourselves by our own bootstraps. Step by halting step, we have beat our way back
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Slowly we have lifeted ourselves by our own bootstraps. Step by halting step, we have beat our way back
RW
#civil-rights
Nothing should be overlooked in fighting for better education.
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Nothing should be overlooked in fighting for better education.
RW
Nothing is more important than a good education.
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Nothing is more important than a good education.
RW
Muffle your rage. Get smart instead of muscular.
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Muffle your rage. Get smart instead of muscular.
RW
#anger
. . . first in myth, later in reality, passion and violence watered my root soil.
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. . . first in myth, later in reality, passion and violence watered my root soil.
RW
#roots
It would appear that the state of Mississippi has decided to maintain white supremacy by murdering children.
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It would appear that the state of Mississippi has decided to maintain white supremacy by murdering children.
RW
#children
Nothing should be overlooked in fighting for better education. Be persistent and ornery: this will be good for the lethargic educational establishment and will aid the whole cause of public education.
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Nothing should be overlooked in fighting for better education. Be persistent and ornery: this will be good for the lethargic educational establishment and will aid the whole cause of public education.
RW
The players in this drama of frustration and indignity are not commas or semicolons in a legislative thesis; they are people, human beings, citizens of the United States of America.
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The players in this drama of frustration and indignity are not commas or semicolons in a legislative thesis; they are people, human beings, citizens of the United States of America.
RW
#citizens
President Eisenhower was a fine general and a good, decent man, but if he had fought World War II the way he fought for civil rights, we would all be speaking German now.
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President Eisenhower was a fine general and a good, decent man, but if he had fought World War II the way he fought for civil rights, we would all be speaking German now.
RW
#civil-rights