John Whitehead
John Whitehead
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Whitehead (1922-2009) was a renowned American lawyer, civil rights activist, and former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.
Birth and Death Dates
Whitehead was born on November 10, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He passed away on October 24, 2004.
Nationality and Profession(s)
John Whitehead was an American citizen by birth and a lawyer by profession. Throughout his career, he held various roles as a civil rights activist, including serving as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1982.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Philadelphia during the Great Depression had a profound impact on Whitehead's early life and shaped his future endeavors. He was exposed to poverty, inequality, and social injustice at an early age, fostering a strong desire to make a difference. After graduating from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1942, he served as a naval officer during World War II.
Major Accomplishments
Whitehead's illustrious career is marked by numerous significant achievements:
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights: As the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1982, Whitehead played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies aimed at combating racial discrimination.
Co-Founder of The FAMU Law Review: In 1970, Whitehead co-founded The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Law Review, which became a leading forum for discussing issues related to civil rights and social justice.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions by John Whitehead include:
Author of "The Negro in American Civilization": This influential book, published in 1946, examined the historical and contemporary experiences of African Americans in the United States.
Advocate for Civil Rights: Throughout his career, Whitehead was a tireless advocate for civil rights and social justice. He worked closely with prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr.
Impact and Legacy
John Whitehead's contributions to the field of civil rights have had a lasting impact on American society:
Pioneering Work in Civil Rights: His work as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights helped shape policies aimed at combating racial discrimination.
Inspiring Future Generations: Whitehead's dedication and perseverance continue to inspire future generations of activists, lawyers, and civil rights leaders.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Whitehead is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Passion for Civil Rights: His unwavering commitment to the fight against racial discrimination has left a lasting legacy.
Influence on Policymaking: As Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, he played a crucial role in shaping policies that continue to influence civil rights discourse today.
As a leading advocate for civil rights and social justice, John Whitehead's life and work serve as a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate individuals striving to create positive change in their communities.
Quotes by John Whitehead
The memorial has always been and will always be the centerpiece, the heart and soul of our efforts. At six acres in size, it will be an appropriately prominent and moving memorial,
I cannot and do not understand how we can go forward unless we know that we're going to be able to do our job, ... unless we are seen by others to have the necessary authority to make the decisions.
By adopting a prayer policy that allows only nondenominational prayer, the City Council has effectively deprived Turner of his freedom of speech under the First Amendment.
It was a comfortable mix and host for things as diverse as wrestling on one night and completely transformed into an elegant concert hall for men in tuxedos and ladies in evening gowns on the next night.
It sounds like it (Kent) will pass constitutional muster because it's interfaith and it's open and it's just a solemnizing of the meeting.
Normally, it takes about five and a half weeks to open a store. But we had some extra time and we were ahead of schedule to so the corporate office decided to open early.
