James Haughton (activist) facts for kids

James Haughton Jr. (1929-2016) was an important American leader. He worked for civil rights and helped workers. He is best known for fighting for fairness in construction jobs. He wanted everyone, no matter their race, to have equal chances.

About James Haughton Jr.

James Haughton Jr. was born in October 1929. His family lived in Brooklyn, New York. His parents came from the West Indies. James went to the City College of New York. He earned a degree there in 1951. Later, he got another degree from New York University in 1960.

From 1951 to 1953, James served in the US Army. He was a lieutenant in the Korean War. After the war, he became a social worker. He helped young people in Los Angeles and New York City. James Haughton married Eleanor Leacock. She was a well-known anthropologist. They were married until her death in 1987.

Fighting for Fairness

In 1960, James Haughton joined a new group. It was called the Negro American Labor Council (NALC). He worked as an assistant to its president, A. Philip Randolph. After leaving NALC in 1962, Haughton became a leader. He chaired the Labor and Industry Committee. This was part of the New York Branch of the NAACP.

Haughton felt that some civil rights groups were not acting fast enough. So, in 1964, he started his own group. He called it the Harlem Unemployment Center. In 1969, the group changed its name to Fight Back. This organization used stronger methods. It pushed for more minority workers in construction. It also fought for equal job chances for everyone. The group especially wanted Black and Puerto Rican people to join unions.

James Haughton also supported many other important causes. He was involved in the anti-war movement. He also worked with the anti-nuclear movement. He helped the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa. He also supported tenants' rights and the Puerto Rico solidarity movement.