Charles Steele Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Steele Jr.
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Steele in 2019
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| 6th and 8th President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference | |
| In office 2012–2024 |
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| Preceded by | Howard W. Creecy Jr. |
| Succeeded by | DeMark Liggins |
| In office 2004–2009 |
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| Preceded by | Fred Shuttlesworth |
| Succeeded by | Howard W. Creecy Jr. |
| Member of the Alabama Senate from the 24th district |
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| In office November 8, 1994 – August 11, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Walter Owens |
| Succeeded by | Bobby Singleton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 3, 1946 Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S. |
Charles Steele Jr., born on August 3, 1946, is an American leader who has worked as a businessman, politician, and civil rights activist. He made history as the first African American elected to the City Council in Tuscaloosa. He was also one of the first African Americans to be elected to the Alabama State Senate. From 2004 to 2009, he led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) as its National President and CEO. This important organization was co-founded by Martin Luther King Jr.. Today, Mr. Steele is the founder and president of Charles Steele and Associates. His company is located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Learning and Degrees
Charles Steele Jr. was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He finished high school at Druid City High School in Tuscaloosa. He then went to college at Mississippi Valley State University and Oakland University. He earned his first college degree from American International University. He studied at their campus in Paramaribo, Suriname, South America. He later received a doctoral degree from Mt. Carmel Theological Seminary. He also has honorary degrees from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa. He holds another honorary doctorate from The F.T. Bozeman School of Ministry.
Working in Politics
In 1985, Charles Steele Jr. was elected to the Tuscaloosa City Council. He served two terms, which means he was on the council for eight years. While on the city council, he started several important programs. He created the Unity Day Scholarship Fund. This fund helped students pay for their education. He also organized the Tuscaloosa Police Athletic League. This program helped young people through sports.
Mr. Steele also helped get money to buy land for Palmore Park. He secured funds for Barrs’ Quarters, which became Charles Steele Estates. This was the first program in West Alabama to help people own their own homes. He also got money to build the Bernice Washington Insight Center. This center helps people with drug treatment. He started the Tuscaloosa Drug Task Force. After many years, this group became Partners For a Drug Free Tuscaloosa County. This partnership received $1 million to help fight drug use.
In 1994, he was elected to the Alabama State Senate. This is a group of lawmakers who make rules for the state of Alabama. He was re-elected three times, serving many years in the Senate. In August 2004, he left the State Senate. He resigned to become the president of the SCLC. In April 2006, he was honored by Morehouse College. He was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers. On April 20, 2006, he was also honored in his hometown. He was inducted into the Tuscaloosa Civic Hall of Fame.
