James Kemp (NAACP) facts for kids
James Horace Kemp (born August 18, 1912 – died December 5, 1983) was an American leader who worked to improve conditions for people. He was a labor organizer, which means he helped workers join together to ask for better pay and safer workplaces. He was also elected president of the NAACP, a very important group that works for equal rights for African Americans.
James Kemp was married to Maida Springer Kemp, who was also a well-known labor organizer and a historian. He was a member of the executive board for the Chicago Federation of Labor, a large group of labor unions in Chicago. He also served on the board of the Regional Transportation Authority, which helps manage public transportation.
His Lasting Impact
James Kemp's work had a lasting effect, especially in public transportation.
A Train Named in His Honor
A special train engine, called METX 105, is named after James Kemp. This is because he was on the board of directors for the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees Metra. Metra is a commuter rail system in the Chicago area.
The METX 105 is an EMD F40PH locomotive, which is a type of powerful train engine. It started service with Metra in 1977. It was the sixth F40PH engine to join their fleet. Today, this engine helps power trains on the BNSF Line, which runs out of Chicago Union Station.
