Arthur B. Spingarn facts for kids

Arthur Barnette Spingarn (born March 28, 1878 – died December 1, 1971) was an important American leader. He worked hard to fight for civil rights for African Americans. This means he helped make sure African Americans had the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Growing Up and School

Arthur Spingarn was born into a wealthy Jewish family. His older brother, Joel Elias Spingarn, was also a well-known educator. Arthur went to Columbia College and finished in 1897. He then studied law at Columbia Law School, graduating in 1899.

Fighting for Equal Rights

In the early 1900s, Arthur Spingarn was one of the few White Americans who strongly supported equal rights for African Americans. He agreed with W. E. B. Du Bois, who wanted immediate and big changes for racial justice. This was different from Booker T. Washington, who thought changes should happen more slowly.

Spingarn became a leader in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works to end unfair treatment based on race. He was in charge of the NAACP's legal team and became a vice president in 1911.

During World War I, he paused his law career to serve as a United States Army captain. He spoke out against racial discrimination that African American soldiers faced in the US military. He always wanted to improve the lives of black Americans.

In 1940, Arthur took over from his brother Joel as president of the NAACP. He stayed president until 1965. During his time, the NAACP's legal part became a separate group called the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

Amazing Collections

Arthur Spingarn loved collecting things. One of his most special collections was of books, newspapers, and old papers about the experiences of black Americans from all over the world. This collection was very unique and important.

He sold this amazing collection to Howard University. It became part of the Moorland–Spingarn Research Center. This center is now one of the biggest and most valuable libraries in America for studying black life and history.

He also had other collections, which were sold at an auction in 1966.

His Lasting Impact

Arthur Spingarn passed away at his home in New York City on December 1, 1971. Many important people spoke at his memorial service. These included Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Roy Wilkins, who was the head of the NAACP. They remembered him as a key person who helped the NAACP push forward for civil rights.

Works

• Legal and Protective Measures (1950), co-authored with Jacob A. Goldberg