Andrew J. Bell Jr. facts for kids

Andrew J. Bell Jr. (1907-2000) was an important African American leader. He was a business owner, a funeral director, and a strong voice for civil rights. Bell worked hard to make sure everyone had fair treatment. In 2007, he was honored by being added to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

Andrew Bell's Early Life and Education

Andrew J. Bell Jr. was born in 1907 in Providence, Rhode Island. His mother was Beatrice J. Bell, and his father, Andrew J. Bell, was a chef. Andrew Jr. grew up with five sisters.

He went to Classical High School and then studied Business Administration at Bryant College. He also attended the New England Institute of Mortuary Science in Boston. This education helped him prepare for his future career.

Making a Difference: Public Service

Andrew Bell Jr. dedicated his life to helping his community. He started his own business and worked tirelessly for civil rights.

Bell Funeral Home: A Community Hub

In 1932, Bell opened the Bell Funeral Home in Providence. This business was very important to the Black community in Providence. It provided respectful services and became a trusted place. In 1937, the funeral home moved to the Israel B. Mason House.

Fighting for Fairness: Civil Rights Work

Bell was a founder of the Rhode Island Urban League in 1939. This group worked to help Black people get better jobs and housing.

• The Urban League pushed for Black workers at Kaiser Shipyard.
• They fought against unfair housing rules in Providence. This included projects like Roger Williams Housing Project and Codding Court in the 1950s.

Bell was a leader in the Urban League. He served on its Board and advised its Youth Council. He was also the president of the Urban League from 1947 to 1950.

Leading Other Important Groups

In the 1950s, Bell was the vice chairman of the RI Committee on Discrimination in Housing. This committee worked to stop unfair housing practices.

He was also a member of the NAACP. The NAACP is a well-known civil rights organization. Bell served as the vice president of its Providence branch.

National Recognition and Later Work

In 1961, Bell was chosen as a delegate for the White House Conference on Aging. This shows his importance on a national level.

In 1967, Bell helped start the Opportunities Industrialization Center in Providence. This center helped people in the community get job training.

In 1993, Bell wrote a book called An Assessment of Life in Rhode Island as an African American In the Era From 1918 to 1993. This book shared his experiences and insights.

Awards and Honors

Andrew J. Bell Jr. received many awards for his hard work and dedication:

• Man of the Year: He was named Man of the Year by the Urban League of Rhode Island in 1973.
• Honorary Doctorates: He received honorary doctorates from two universities:
  • Rhode Island College gave him a doctorate in pedagogy (education).
  • The University of Rhode Island gave him a doctorate in business administration.
• Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame: In 2007, he was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor in Rhode Island.