Archibald Carey Jr. facts for kids

Archibald James Carey Jr. (born February 29, 1908 – died April 20, 1981) was an important American leader from Chicago. He was many things: a lawyer, a judge, a politician, a diplomat, and a church leader.

Carey Jr. was elected as a city alderman, which is like a city council member. He served for eight years. He was also a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. There, he became known as a strong supporter of civil rights. In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose him to lead a special committee. This committee worked to stop unfair treatment based on race in government jobs.

In 1966, Judge Carey was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. He became a very important person in Chicago's politics. He served as a judge until 1979. He won many awards for his great speaking skills and for helping to improve the community.

Early Life and Learning

Archibald Carey Jr. was born on February 29, 1908, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of five children. His father, Reverend Archibald J. Carey, was also a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His mother was Elizabeth H. (Davis) Carey.

Archibald Jr. went to Wendell Phillips Academy High School. He studied hard and earned several degrees. In 1928, he got a Bachelor of Science degree from Lewis Institute. He then earned another degree from Northwestern University in 1932. Finally, he received a Bachelor of Laws degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1935.

His Career and Public Service

After becoming a lawyer, Carey started his own law practice in Chicago. He became very active in politics. He worked closely with William L. Dawson, a well-known African-American politician in Chicago.

Carey was elected twice to serve as an alderman for Chicago's Third Ward. He held this position from 1947 to 1955. During this time, he gave a famous speech at the 1952 Republican National Convention. In his speech, he asked for equal rights for all minority groups.

The next year, Carey was chosen to be a delegate for the United States at the United Nations. He served there from 1953 to 1956. From 1955 to 1961, he was part of the President's Committee on Government Employment Policy. On August 3, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made him the Chair of this committee. Carey was the first African American to hold this important job. He was already a friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and active in the national Civil Rights Movement. Carey worked hard to end unfair hiring practices against Black people in government jobs.

In 1966, Carey was appointed as a county Circuit Court judge in Chicago. He served as a judge until 1978. At that time, he had to retire by law because he turned 70. But because the court had so many cases, he was asked to serve for one more year.

His Role in the AME Church

In 1949, Carey became the pastor of his father's church, Quinn Chapel AME Church in Chicago. He led the church until 1967. After that, he was named pastor emeritus, which means he was still honored as a past leader.

In 1960, Carey spoke at the World Methodist Council meeting in Oslo, Norway. He talked about how AME activists in the United States used ideas from Wesleyan theology to guide their work. He mentioned that they were inspired by Richard Allen, who started the AME Church. Carey was one of many AME church leaders and members who were active in the Civil Rights Movement.

His Family

Archibald J. Carey Jr. was married to Hazel Harper. They had one daughter named Carolyn Eloise. He passed away on April 20, 1981, in Chicago.

"Let Freedom Ring" Speech

Carey gave a powerful speech at the 1952 Republican National Convention. It was titled "Let Freedom Ring."

Some historians have noted that parts of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech sound similar to Carey's "Let Freedom Ring" speech. Others say that many of the ideas and phrases were common at the time.

See also

• List of Chicago aldermen since 1923