John Hervey Wheeler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Hervey Wheeler
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| Born | January 1, 1908 Kittrell, North Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | July 6, 1978 (aged 70) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Occupation | Banker, political activist, philanthropist |
| Spouse(s) | Selena Warren Wheeler |
| Children | Warren Hervey Wheeler Julia Wheeler |
| Relatives | Ruth W. Lowe (sister) |
John Hervey Wheeler (born January 1, 1908 – died July 6, 1978) was an important American leader. He was a successful bank president, a smart businessman, and a strong voice for civil rights. Wheeler was also an educator based in North Carolina. Many groups across the country recognized his achievements throughout his life.
John H. Wheeler began his career as a bank teller. He worked at the Mechanics and Farmers Bank. He worked hard and became the bank's president in 1952. In the 1960s, Wheeler became very active in United States politics. He held several positions in the White House. These roles were given to him by Presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Lyndon B. Johnson.
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Early Life and Family
John H. Wheeler was born in 1908. His birthplace was on the campus of Kittrell College. His parents were John Leonidas and Margaret Hervey Wheeler.
In 1935, he married Selena Warren Wheeler. They had two children together, Warren and Julia. John H. Wheeler passed away in 1978. In 2017, a special bill was suggested in Congress. It aimed to rename the courthouse in Durham, North Carolina. The new name would be the John Hervey Wheeler United States Courthouse. This was to honor his many achievements.
Education and Banking Career
John H. Wheeler started his college journey in 1925. He attended Morehouse College. He graduated in 1929 with top honors. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Later, in 1947, Wheeler graduated from law school. He studied at the North Carolina College at Durham. This school is now called North Carolina Central University. He was also an active member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Wheeler began working at the Mechanics and Farmers Bank in 1929. He started as a teller. By 1952, he had worked his way up. He became the president of the bank.
Fighting for Civil Rights
John H. Wheeler became a very strong leader in the 1950s and 1960s. He was deeply involved in politics and education. He held many positions in the federal government. He also served on the boards of several important organizations. These included Morehouse College and Atlanta University. He also helped Lincoln Hospital and the National Scholarship Service for Negro Students.
While working for two presidents, Wheeler focused on important issues. He worked to create affordable housing for people. He also worked to improve relationships between different races. And he helped fight against poverty. He worked closely with Presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Lyndon B. Johnson. President Johnson even asked him to help write the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law made it illegal to discriminate against people based on their race.
In 1956, John H. Wheeler made history. He was the first African-American person to file a lawsuit in North Carolina. This lawsuit aimed to end segregation. This means he fought for people of all races to be treated equally.
Supporting Black Colleges
John H. Wheeler was a very active member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). He attended many meetings for decades. The UNCF helps provide scholarships and support to historically black colleges and universities.
In March 1966, Wheeler gave a powerful speech. He spoke at a UNCF event about business. He talked about the need for more training and chances for African-American students. Through his work with UNCF, Wheeler strongly supported higher education. He believed it was vital for the black community.
Important Leadership Roles
John H. Wheeler held many important leadership positions throughout his life:
- 1952–1978: President of Mechanics and Farmers Bank in Durham, North Carolina.
- 1961-1965: Served on President John F. Kennedy's Committee for Equal Employment Opportunity and Urban Housing. This committee worked to ensure fair job opportunities and housing.
- 1963-1968: President of the Southern Regional Council. This group worked for civil rights and racial justice in the South.
- 1964: He was the first black delegate from North Carolina. He attended the National Convention of the Democratic Party.
- 1965-1967: Served on President Lyndon B. Johnson's National Advisory Commission on Food and Fiber. This group advised the president on food and farming issues.
Special College Degrees
Many universities honored John H. Wheeler. They gave him special degrees called "honorary degrees." These degrees recognize a person's achievements, even if they didn't study at that specific school.
- 1954: Doctor of Laws from Shaw University, (Raleigh, NC)
- 1962: Doctor of Humanities from Tuskegee Institute, (Tuskegee, AL)
- 1963: Doctor of Laws from Johnson L. Smith University, (Charlotte, NC)
- 1967: Doctor of Humanities from Morehouse College, (Atlanta, GA)
- 1970: Doctor of Humanities from Duke University, (Durham, NC)
- 1971: Doctor of Humanities from North Carolina Central University, (Durham, NC)
