James R. Dumpson facts for kids
James Russelle Dumpson (born April 5, 1909 – died November 5, 2012) was an important leader in social welfare. He worked to help people in New York City. From 1959 to 1965, he was the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Welfare. This department helped families and individuals in need. He was the first African American welfare commissioner in the United States. He was also the first social worker to hold this big job in New York City.
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Early Career and Helping Others
Dr. Dumpson started his career helping children. He was a caseworker at the Children's Aid Society in New York City. Later, from 1953 to 1954, he worked for the United Nations. He was an advisor to the Pakistani Government, helping them with social welfare training.
In 1955, he joined the New York City Department of Welfare. He became the Director of the Bureau of Child Welfare. By 1958, he was the First Deputy Commissioner. Then, in 1959, Mayor Robert F. Wagner appointed him as the Commissioner.
Leading the Department of Welfare
As Commissioner, Dr. Dumpson led the Department of Welfare. He continued to serve on many committees and advisory boards. These groups helped guide social welfare efforts.
A notable moment during his time as Commissioner was in 1963. He led about 2,000 employees from the Welfare Department. They joined the historic "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom" on August 28, 1963. This march was a major event in the Civil Rights Movement.
He returned to the New York City welfare department in 1974. At that time, it was known as the New York City Human Resources Administration/ Department of Social Services. Mayor Abraham Beame asked him many times to come back. Dr. Dumpson served as Administrator/Commissioner until 1976.
Teaching and Other Important Roles
Besides his work with the welfare department, Dr. Dumpson also taught at universities. He had academic roles at New York University and Hunter College. In 1967, he became the Dean of the Graduate School of Social Service at Fordham University.
In 1990, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. This organization manages public hospitals and clinics in New York City. Even in semi-retirement, he continued to teach. He was a Visiting Professor at Fordham University. He also worked as a Senior Consultant with the New York Community Trust.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Dumpson received many awards for his important work. Fordham University named a special teaching position after him. It is called the Professional Chair in Child Welfare Studies. He also received the Keystone Award for distinguished service in social welfare. The Council on Social Work Education gave him a Distinguished Service Medal. He was also an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Institute of Social Sciences. He became a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine.
On his 100th birthday, Dr. Dumpson was honored. The current Commissioner, Robert Doar, celebrated him at the New York City Human Resources Administration offices. He also took part in a TV program called "Free to Choose" by Milton Friedman. He appeared in the episode "From Cradle to Grave."
Personal Life
In the 1940s, Dr. Dumpson married Goldie Brangman, a nurse from Harlem Hospital Center. They had one child together. Dr. Dumpson was a Catholic.
