Furman L. Templeton facts for kids

Furman L. Templeton was an important leader who worked for civil rights for African Americans in Baltimore, Maryland. He spent 25 years as the main director of the Baltimore Urban League, an organization that helps people. He also served on several important boards and committees, working to make things fair for everyone.

Early Life and Education

Furman L. Templeton was born in 1909 in Hackensack, New Jersey. He went to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor's degree. Later, he received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Morgan State College in Baltimore, which is a special award for his achievements.

Working for Change

Templeton dedicated 25 years to the Baltimore Urban League. For his hard work, he received many awards, including the Good Citizenship award from the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the Man of the Year Plaque from the Omega Phi fraternity. He also earned the Maryland Negro Achievement Medal.

Joining the Urban League

In 1941, Templeton started his first job at the Baltimore Urban League as the Secretary of Industry. This new role was created to help more African Americans find good jobs. He was chosen for this job because he was the first African American to work as an interviewer in the state employment service office in Baltimore, starting in 1933.

Fighting for Fair Jobs

In his first year at the Urban League, Templeton fought for African American painters in Baltimore to be allowed to join unions. Joining a union helped workers get better pay and conditions. He also questioned a government plan to buy land in Perryman, Maryland. This land was home to about 150 families, many of whom were African American. They were being forced to sell their homes for very little money and then had to buy new homes at much higher prices. Templeton worked to stop this unfair treatment.

Helping Families and Education

Later, when Templeton became the Executive Director of the Baltimore Urban League, he focused a lot on education. He created programs to help African Americans get more education and find jobs. Because of his efforts in education and his work for civil rights, an elementary school in Baltimore, at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, is named in his honor: Furman L. Templeton Elementary School.

His Lasting Impact

Furman L. Templeton passed away on February 12, 1970. He left behind his wife, Irene Roye-Templeton, and their two sons. He also had a grandson, Stefan Templeton. Templeton worked tirelessly to create equality for African Americans in Baltimore. His dedication left a lasting impact, and the school named after him is a reminder of his important legacy.