Kivie Kaplan facts for kids
Kivie Kaplan (born April 1, 1904 – died May 5, 1975) was an American businessman. He was also a philanthropist, which means he gave a lot of money and time to help others. Kaplan was the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1966 until he passed away.
Early Life and Family
Kivie Kaplan was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 1, 1904. He was the youngest of three sons. His parents, Benjamin and Celia Kaplan, were Jewish immigrants from Lithuania.
In 1924, Kivie and his brothers, Joseph and Archie, took over their father's leather business. He helped run the tanneries, which are places where animal hides are made into leather. He worked there until 1962. After that, he retired to spend all his time helping others through charity work.
In 1925, Kivie Kaplan married Emily Rogers. They were married for the rest of his life. They had three children together: Sylvia, Jean, and Edward.
Work with the NAACP
Kivie Kaplan joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1932. The NAACP is an important organization that works for the civil rights of African Americans. In 1954, he was elected to the NAACP's National Board.
In 1966, Kaplan became the president of the NAACP. He held this important position until his death. As president, he traveled all over the United States. He spoke about the NAACP's goals and asked people for money to support their work.
Kaplan also helped two historically black colleges. He was a trustee for both Lincoln University and Tougaloo College. A trustee helps manage and guide a college. He was also the treasurer for The Crisis magazine. This magazine is published by the NAACP.
Other Charitable Work
Kivie Kaplan was also very involved in Jewish community affairs. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. He gave a lot of money to the Jewish Memorial Hospital in Boston. He also supported Brandeis University.
Kaplan received many awards for his work. These included the Amistad Award from the American Missionary Association. He also received special honorary degrees from Wilberforce University, Hebrew Union College, and Lincoln University.
Kivie Kaplan and his wife, Emily, strongly supported civil rights for everyone. He was one of many American Jews who played a leading role in groups working for African American civil rights.
