Ernest Bromley facts for kids

Ernest Bromley (born March 14, 1912 – died December 17, 1997) was an American minister, a member of the Quakers, and a strong supporter of civil rights and peace. He was one of the first Freedom Riders, who were brave people who protested against racial segregation in the Southern United States. He also helped organize big meetings in Cincinnati to protest the Vietnam War and segregation.

Ernest Bromley: A Champion for Peace and Equality

Ernest Bromley believed deeply in fairness and peace. He was a founding member of the Freedom Riders. These groups of people rode buses into the Southern states to challenge unfair laws that separated people based on their race. This was called racial segregation. He also organized protests in Cincinnati against the Vietnam War and continued to speak out against segregation.

Challenging War Taxes

Ernest Bromley was also a pioneer in a movement called "tax resistance." This meant he refused to pay taxes that he believed would support war. In 1942, he refused to buy a special "defense tax stamp" for his car. Instead of paying the $7.09 for the stamp, which would have gone towards the war, he gave the money to a Methodist organization that helped people overseas. Because of his actions, he was put in jail for 60 days and lost his job as a minister.

Family and Continued Activism

In 1948, Ernest married Marion Bromley. Together, they were a powerful team for peace. Ernest produced and edited a local newsletter called Peacemaker for many years. He and Marion also helped start an organization called Peacemakers. This group encouraged pacifism, which means believing that all war is wrong. They also supported people who resisted war taxes and the draft. The Peacemakers even created a fund to help families of people who were put in prison for their beliefs.

In the 1970s, the Internal Revenue Service, which collects taxes in the U.S., tried to take their home because they had not paid certain taxes. However, the Bromleys were able to keep their home. In 1977, the War Resisters League honored Ernest and Marion Bromley with their annual Peace Award for their lifelong dedication to peace.

Faith and Beliefs

Ernest Bromley's actions and beliefs were strongly connected to his faith as a Quaker. He was part of the Cincinnati Community Friends monthly meeting. The Quaker beliefs, especially those about peace and equality, were very important to him. He lived his life trying to follow these values.