L. Alex Wilson facts for kids
L. Alex Wilson (1909–1960) was an American journalist and editor. He became well-known during the Civil Rights Movement. He reported on the terrible murder of Emmett Till for the Chicago Defender newspaper chain. At the time, he was the editor of the Tri-State Defender in Memphis. In 1957, Wilson was covering the Little Rock Nine school desegregation events. During this time, a group of white people attacked and hurt him. He got better and continued working as an editor in Chicago. However, the injuries he received in Little Rock may have made him sick, leading to his early death.
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Who Was L. Alex Wilson?
Lucious Alexander Wilson was the editor and general manager of the Tri-State Defender. This was an African-American newspaper published in Memphis, Tennessee. The Tri-State Defender was part of the very important Chicago Defender newspaper chain.
Early Career and Important Stories
In 1955, Wilson led the Defender-chain's reporting on the Emmett Till case. This terrible murder helped to start the Civil Rights Movement. Wilson also hired Dorothy Butler Gilliam to work at the Tri-State Defender.
Covering the Emmett Till Case
The Emmett Till case was a very sad and important event. L. Alex Wilson made sure that the Chicago Defender newspapers covered it fully. This helped to show people across the country what was happening.
Standing Up in Little Rock
Wilson became nationally known because of what happened in Little Rock, Arkansas. Television showed pictures of him being attacked by an angry crowd. This happened on September 23, 1957. He was covering the Little Rock Nine as they finally entered Little Rock Central High School. Wilson was a tall man, standing 6 feet 3 inches. He walked with the Black students toward the school building. Then, members of the crowd started to attack him.
A Brave Walk
Even though he was being attacked, Wilson decided to walk away slowly. He did not run. When he was younger, he had faced a scary situation with a hate group and had run away. After that, he decided he would never run from racism again. His brave walk was seen by many people.
Later Life and Legacy
After the events in Little Rock, Wilson became the editor of The Chicago Defender. He continued his important work there. Sadly, he died at a young age in 1960, when he was only 51 years old. His courage and dedication as a journalist are still remembered.
