Clarence M. Pendleton Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence McClane Pendleton Jr.
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1981 in White House
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| Chair of the United States Commission on Civil Rights | |
| In office November 16, 1981 – June 5, 1988 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Arthur Sherwood Flemming |
| Succeeded by | William B. Allen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 10, 1930 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | June 5, 1988 (aged 57) San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (before 1980) Republican (1980–1988) |
| Spouse | Magrit Pendleton |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Clarence M. Pendleton Sr. |
| Alma mater | Dunbar High School Howard University |
| Occupation | Educator; Government official |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1954–1957 |
Clarence McClane Pendleton Jr. (born November 10, 1930 – died June 5, 1988) was an important American leader. He was known for his conservative views. He served as the chairman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. This is a government group that works to protect equal rights for everyone. He held this job from 1981 until he passed away in 1988. This was during the time Ronald Reagan was President of the United States.
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Early Life and Education
Clarence Pendleton Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in Washington, D.C.. He went to Dunbar High School. This school has a rich history. After high school, he attended Howard University. His father, Clarence Pendleton Sr., was the first swimming coach there.
Clarence Jr. followed in his father's footsteps. He also went to Howard University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1954. After college, he joined the United States Army. He served for three years during the Cold War.
After his military service, Pendleton returned to Howard University. He became a physical education teacher. He also worked on his master's degree. He took over from his father as the swimming coach. His team won ten championships in eleven years. He also coached other sports like rowing, football, and baseball.
Career in Public Service
From 1968 to 1970, Pendleton worked in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a recreation coordinator for the Model Cities Program. This program aimed to improve city life. In 1970, he became a director for the National Recreation and Park Association.
In 1972, Pete Wilson, who later became a U.S. senator and governor, asked Pendleton to lead the Model Cities program in San Diego, California. In 1975, Pendleton became the director of the National Urban League in San Diego. This group works for civil rights and economic fairness for African Americans.
Pendleton was first a Democrat. He changed to the Republican Party in 1980. He supported Ronald Reagan for president. Pendleton believed that people should not rely too much on government programs. He felt that African Americans should work closely with private businesses. He thought this would help them succeed more.
Leading the Civil Rights Commission
In 1981, President Reagan chose Pendleton to lead the United States Commission on Civil Rights. This made him the first African American chairman of the commission. The U.S. Senate approved his appointment.
Pendleton had different ideas about civil rights than some others. He supported President Reagan's social plans. He did not agree with using school busing to balance races in schools. He also questioned the need for affirmative action policies. These policies aim to help groups that have faced discrimination. Pendleton believed that African Americans could succeed without special laws.
He often spoke his mind. He once said that some black civil rights leaders were "the new racists." He felt they pushed for policies that focused too much on race. He also disagreed with the idea of "comparable worth." This idea suggests that jobs requiring similar skills should pay the same, even if they are different types of jobs. He called it an unusual idea.
Under Pendleton's leadership, the commission's funding from Congress was cut. Some staff members lost their jobs or left. Pendleton was seen as a strong speaker by those who disagreed with him. However, his friends saw him as a direct and honest person.
In 1983, Pendleton was re-elected as chairman. This happened with support from new members appointed by President Reagan. During his time, the commission had many debates. They discussed how to best achieve equality under the law. Pendleton believed in focusing on legal and political rights. He thought less about social and economic claims.
In 1986, the Los Angeles Times newspaper suggested that Pendleton should be removed. They felt his policies were not helping minorities and women. However, a reader wrote a letter supporting Pendleton. The reader argued that the newspaper was pushing for old policies that had not worked well.
His Sudden Passing
On June 5, 1988, Clarence Pendleton Jr. was exercising in San Diego. He suddenly collapsed. He died about an hour later from a heart attack. President Reagan called Pendleton's wife, Magrit, to offer his sympathy.
The White House released a statement from President Reagan. He said that America had lost a great leader. Reagan praised Pendleton for believing in a "colorblind society." This means a society where people are judged by their character and abilities, not by their race. Reagan said Pendleton wanted the law to fight discrimination. But he also believed the law should not create new unfairness.
After Pendleton's death, other leaders spoke about him. Francis Guess, another black Republican on the commission, said Pendleton's strong words sometimes made his points less clear. William B. Allen, who took over as chairman, said Pendleton taught them to talk about civil rights in many ways. He said Pendleton reminded them that affirmative action was a goal, not a final solution. Allen called Pendleton a "brave man" who fought for America's ideals.
A special bench is dedicated to Pendleton's memory. It is located in Mission Bay Park in San Diego.
