Hobart Taylor Jr. facts for kids

Hobart T. Taylor Jr. (December 17, 1920 – April 2, 1981) was an important American lawyer and government official. He played a key role in making sure everyone had fair chances in jobs. From 1961 to 1965, he was a top leader for the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunities. This committee worked to prevent unfair treatment in hiring.

Hobart Taylor Jr. was the first non-white person to lead the staff of a special presidential committee. He is also known for creating the term "affirmative action." This idea means taking active steps to ensure equal opportunities for all. In 1964, he became a special advisor to the President. This made him one of the highest-ranking African Americans in the U.S. government.

Early Life and Education

Hobart Taylor Jr. was born on December 17, 1920, in Texarkana, Texas. His father, Hobart T. Taylor Sr., was a very successful businessman. He made his money in insurance, taxi services, and real estate. His father was also a close friend of President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was a strong supporter of civil rights. For example, he helped pay for a lawsuit that ended all-white primary elections in Texas. Around 1930, Hobart's family moved to Houston, Texas. There, young Hobart finished high school at Yates High School.

Hobart Taylor Jr. loved to learn. In 1939, he earned his first degree in economics from Prairie View A&M University. He then went to Howard University in Washington, D.C.. He received his master's degree in economics there in 1941. After that, he studied law at the University of Michigan Law School. He earned his law degrees in 1943. While in law school, he became the first African American to edit the Michigan Law Review. This was a major achievement.

After law school, Taylor became a lawyer in Michigan in 1944. He worked for the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Later, he worked as a prosecuting attorney for Wayne County, Michigan. He also helped businesses in Texas with legal matters. Both Hobart Taylor Jr. and his father gave a lot of money to support Lyndon B. Johnson's political campaigns.

Working for the U.S. Government

In 1961, Hobart Taylor Jr. was chosen for an important job. He became Special Counsel to the new President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunities (PCEEO). This committee was created to make sure everyone had a fair chance at jobs, no matter their race.

At first, some people didn't want him to have such a high position. But President John F. Kennedy still made sure Taylor was a key part of the committee. Many historians say that Taylor was the one who first used the phrase "affirmative action." This term describes efforts to create equal opportunities for groups who have faced unfair treatment.

In 1962, Taylor was promoted to Executive Vice Chairman of the committee. This made him the top staff leader. He was the first non-white person to lead the staff of a U.S. presidential committee. This was a very important step forward.

In 1964, President Johnson appointed Taylor to be a special advisor in the White House. This made him one of the highest-ranking African Americans in the U.S. government. Taylor continued his work with the PCEEO. He played a big part in putting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into action. This law made it illegal to treat people unfairly based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

In 1965, Taylor left his White House and committee jobs. He became a director at the Export–Import Bank of the United States. This bank helps American businesses sell their products to other countries. He worked there until 1968.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving government service, Hobart Taylor Jr. went back to being a private lawyer. He also served on the boards of many large companies. He continued to be involved in public service. He was a member of the Democratic National Committee. He was also a trustee for the NAACP. The NAACP is a leading civil rights organization.

Hobart Taylor Jr. suffered from a serious illness called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He passed away from this disease on April 2, 1981, in The Bahamas. He was buried in Middleburg, Virginia.

Family Life

Hobart Taylor Jr. married Lynette Dobbins in 1950. They had two sons, Hobart III and Albert. A famous moment happened in 1965. President Lyndon Johnson danced with Lynette Dobbins Taylor at an inaugural ball. This was the first time a U.S. President danced with an African American woman at such an event. Hobart and Lynette divorced in 1975.

In 1978, Taylor married Carol Angermeir. He became a stepfather to her children, Edward and Teresa.