Charles W. Anderson Jr. facts for kids

Charles W. Anderson Jr. (born May 26, 1907, died June 14, 1960) was an important lawyer and leader in Kentucky. He worked hard for civil rights. He was also a state legislator, which means he helped make laws. He served in the Kentucky House of Representatives for many years, from 1935 to 1946.

A Champion for Civil Rights

Early Life and Education

Charles W. Anderson Jr. was born on May 26, 1907. His hometown was Louisville, Kentucky. His father, Dr. Charles W. Anderson, was a doctor. His mother, Tabitha Murphy Anderson, was a schoolteacher.

Charles went to Kentucky State College. Today, this school is known as Kentucky State University. He then studied at Wilberforce University in Ohio. After that, he moved to Washington, D.C. There, he earned his law degree. He studied law at Howard University School of Law.

Starting His Career

In February 1932, Charles returned to Kentucky. He passed his law exams and became a lawyer. He opened his own law office in Louisville. Around this time, he became the president of a very important group. This group was the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP works to protect the rights of African Americans.

Making History in Kentucky

In April 1935, Charles decided to run for office. He wanted to be a representative in the Kentucky House. This is where state laws are made. He ran to represent the fifty-eighth district.

Charles was a member of the Republican Party. He ran against four other candidates. He won the election! This was a big deal. He was the only Republican elected from Jefferson County that year.

Even more importantly, Charles W. Anderson Jr. made history. He was the first African American ever elected to the Kentucky legislature. He served for six terms, each lasting two years. He was a representative from 1935 until 1946.

Fighting for Equality

As a representative, Charles worked to change unfair laws. He helped pass a law that stopped public hangings in Kentucky. He also worked to help African Americans get higher education. At that time, Kentucky had segregation laws. These laws kept Black students from attending certain colleges. Charles helped create a plan. It provided state money for Black students to study out-of-state. This allowed them to get degrees that were not available in Kentucky.

Charles was also the president of the National Negro Bar Association. He held this position for two terms, starting in 1943. Later, in the 1950s, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose him for a special role. Charles became an alternate delegate to the United Nations. He also continued to lead the NAACP branch in Louisville.

Later Career and Family

In 1946, Charles left his job in the House of Representatives. He became the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for Jefferson County. This was another first for an African American in Kentucky. Three years later, in 1949, he was nominated for a judge position. He almost won, but was narrowly defeated.

Charles had two children with his second wife. His half-sister, Florence, was also an educator.

His Legacy

On June 14, 1960, Charles W. Anderson Jr. passed away. His car was hit by a train in Shelby County. He was buried at Eastern Cemetery.

Today, there is a historical marker in Louisville (No. 1964). This marker honors Charles W. Anderson Jr. It reminds everyone that he was the first African American elected to the state legislature in Kentucky. He was a true pioneer and a champion for civil rights.