June Kay Campbell facts for kids
June Kay Elizabeth Campbell (born August 19, 1925 – died August 19, 2004) was an American hero. She worked as a secretary and fought for equal rights for everyone. She helped change schools so all kids could learn together.
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Growing Up
June Kay Elizabeth Campbell was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on August 19, 1925. She was the seventh child in her family. June went to public schools in Raleigh. She finished high school in 1944. Later, she took classes at Shaw University and North Carolina State University. On January 1, 1946, she married Ralph Campbell Sr.. They had four children: Ralph Jr., Mildred, Bill, and Eddie.
Fighting for Equal Rights
June Campbell worked as a secretary at Saint Augustine's College. She and her husband, Ralph, wanted their children to attend schools with all students, no matter their race. This was during a time when schools were often separated by race.
Desegregating Schools
The Campbells asked the Raleigh School Board to allow their children to attend schools that were only for white students at the time. The board agreed to let their son, Bill, go to Murphey School. This made Bill the first child to help desegregate a school in Raleigh.
Ralph Campbell Sr. worked at a post office. He was told he might lose his job if he went with Bill to school. So, on September 7, 1960, June took Bill to Murphey School herself. A newspaper, The News & Observer, took their picture. As they walked in, June told her son, "Hold your head up high and just count the steps."
The Oval Table Gang
In the early 1960s, June and Ralph started holding meetings at their home. Civil rights activists would gather around an oval glass-topped table. This group became known as the "Oval Table Gang." They planned ways to desegregate schools and support Black leaders in politics. They also organized protests to fight for equal rights. These important meetings continued until Ralph passed away in 1983.
June and Ralph's children also became leaders. Bill was later elected Mayor of Atlanta. Ralph Jr. was elected Auditor of North Carolina.
Later Life and Legacy
June Campbell retired from her secretary job in 1992. She wanted to care for her mother. When her son Bill ran for mayor in Atlanta in 1993, June moved there for several months. She helped take care of his home and children while he and his wife campaigned. She returned to help again when he ran for reelection.
After retiring, June also joined several community groups. She passed away on August 19, 2004. The special oval table from the Campbells' home is now at the North Carolina Museum of History. In 2005, June and her husband were honored and added to the Raleigh Hall of Fame. Saint Augustine's College also named a women's leadership conference after her. The North Carolina General Assembly praised her for all her hard work.
