John Andrew Singleton facts for kids

John Andrew Singleton (July 30, 1895 - August 1, 1970) was an important leader who worked for equal rights for all people. He was also a dentist and served in the Nebraska House of Representatives.

John Singleton led the NAACP branches in both Omaha, Nebraska and Jamaica, New York. The NAACP is a group that works to make sure everyone has fair treatment and opportunities. Because he spoke up strongly for what was right, people in Jamaica, New York, sometimes called him "the outspoken dentist."

About John Singleton's Life

John Andrew Singleton was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 30, 1895. His father, Millard F. Singleton, was a Justice of the Peace and active in politics. John's uncle was Walter J. Singleton.

John went to public schools in Omaha, including Omaha Central High School. He loved drama and was part of the Du Bois Dramatic Club. He acted in plays and sang as a tenor in a musical story called "David, the Shepherd Boy."

On October 2, 1917, John married Daisy M. Goring, who was from the Virgin Islands. Like his brother Clarence, John became a dentist. He earned his dental degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C.. He also studied for a time at Creighton University.

In 1934, John moved from Omaha to Jamaica, New York, where he continued his dental practice. Later, in 1949, he moved to the Virgin Islands for his health. He passed away on August 1, 1970, in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, at 75 years old. He was survived by his daughter and two sons.

John Singleton's Career and Activism

His Time in Politics

John Singleton showed his interest in helping the community early on. In 1924, he joined the leadership of the American Legion's Roosevelt Post No. 30. He became a Liaison Officer, helping to connect people.

In 1926, he ran for a seat in the Nebraska House of Representatives for the ninth district. He had also worked as a Deputy Register of Deeds for Douglas County. John won the election, becoming one of two African American men elected to the Nebraska House that year.

He ran for re-election in 1928 but was not chosen in the primary election. He tried again in 1930 and 1932 but did not win. John generally supported the Republican mayors of Omaha, believing they were helpful to African American communities.

Leading the Omaha NAACP

In 1929, John Singleton was chosen as president of the Omaha branch of the NAACP. He held this important role until 1933.

He worked to stop the unfair separation of prisoners at the girls' youth prison in Geneva, Nebraska. He also helped African American families in North Platte who faced difficulties after a police officer was killed in 1926. John worked with the governor to help reduce tensions and allow people to return home safely.

In April 1930, a concerning event happened at the Singleton home. Someone placed a burning cross on their lawn. John's father, Millard, quickly removed it. This happened after John had hosted a visit from a national NAACP leader and was active in local politics.

In 1930, there were no laws stopping African Americans from using city swimming pools. However, when African Americans started visiting the McKinley Park pool, some people reacted negatively. John Singleton supported allowing everyone to use the pool. He did not agree with plans to open separate pools for African Americans. He also spoke out against violence and unfair treatment.

In 1931, an African American army unit was stationed at Fort Omaha. This caused protests from some white residents. John Singleton, along with other community leaders, strongly supported the troops. In 1933, he moved from Omaha to Jamaica, New York.

Leading the Jamaica NAACP

In New York, John Singleton continued his important work. He served as president of the Jamaica branch of the NAACP from 1937 until at least 1942. By 1940, he had changed his political party to Democrat. He became an Assistant National Director for the Democratic Party's Colored Division.

Because of his strong support for fair housing for low-income African Americans, he was known as "the outspoken dentist of Jamaica." He was a key member of the March on Washington Movement from 1941 to 1947. He worked closely with other NAACP leaders, like Walter Francis White. On January 2, 1945, he was elected to the NAACP Board of Directors, showing his national importance in the fight for civil rights.