Alfred Bernstein facts for kids

Alfred David Bernstein (born April 9, 1911 – died February 28, 2003) was an American activist. He worked to protect the rights of people and helped workers form unions.

About Alfred Bernstein

Alfred David Bernstein was born in New York City on April 9, 1911. He went to Columbia University and earned two degrees, including one from their Law School. This education helped him understand laws and fight for fairness.

His Work and Activism

In 1937, Alfred moved to Washington, D.C.. He started working as an investigator for a special committee in the Senate. This committee was looking into the railroad industry. While working, he noticed that government workers, especially Black employees, were not treated fairly.

In 1942, he joined the Office of Price Administration (OPA) in San Francisco. He also served in the United States Air Force for two years during World War II. He was stationed in the Pacific region.

Helping Workers and Unions

After the war, around 1945, Bernstein became a leader for the United Public Workers of America (UPWA). This was a union that helped government workers. He worked there until 1951.

He spoke out against a government order (called Harry S. Truman's Executive Order No. 9835) that made federal workers take a loyalty oath. This order was meant to find people thought to have communist ideas in the government. Bernstein believed it was unfair and testified against it in Congress. Because of this, he was later questioned about his own loyalty.

Alfred Bernstein was a key figure in the United Federal Workers of America union from 1937 to 1950. After 1946, this union merged and became the United Public Workers of America.

During the 1940s, Alfred and his wife, Sylvia, were associated with a political group that faced strong opposition at the time. Because of this, his family faced challenges from the U.S. federal government.

In 1951, Alfred Bernstein was called to testify before a Senate committee. He was asked many questions about his union work and his political associations. He chose not to answer many of these questions.

Later Career

Later in his life, Bernstein helped raise money for important causes. He worked for the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute for Cancer Research. He also worked for the Union of Hebrew Congregations.

From 1960 to 1985, he served as a vice president for the National Conference of Christians and Jews. This organization works to promote understanding and respect among different religious and ethnic groups.

Family Life and Passing

Alfred Bernstein was married to Sylvia Walker. She was also a civil rights activist. They had three children together: Carl Bernstein, who became a famous journalist, Mary Bernstein, and Laura Bernstein.

Alfred David Bernstein passed away at his home in Washington, D.C., on February 28, 2003. He was 91 years old and died from a stroke.

See also

• Sylvia Bernstein (activist) (wife)
• Carl Bernstein (child)
• Abraham Flaxer
• United Federal Workers of America