Lez Edmond facts for kids

Lez Edmond (born May 9, 1932 – died April 2017) was an American thinker, writer, and activist. He was also a journalist and a teacher. He spent much of his life focusing on the Civil Rights Movement.

Early Life and Education

Lez Edmond was born in Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up following the Seventh-day Adventist faith. He first studied at Adelphi University, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. Later, he received his PhD from Union Institute. Edmond once shared that he felt pushed into the Civil Rights Movement after an unfair experience at an electronics store where he worked.

His Political Views

Lez Edmond was a strong supporter of civil rights. He believed that people should use community resources like the Schomburg Center in Harlem. He also supported the Freedom Now Party.

Edmond did not like the idea that "outside agitators" were needed for local Black communities to fight for their rights. He said in 1964 that this idea suggested local Black people were "neither capable nor has the desire" to act on their own. He was a key Civil Rights activist in Harlem.

Friendship with Malcolm X

Lez Edmond was a close friend and intellectual partner of Malcolm X. He even appeared in the famous book Autobiography of Malcolm X. Edmond tried to convince Malcolm X to stay out of the public eye for a while to avoid danger, but his advice was not followed.

In February 1965, Malcolm X asked for a vote about whether he should speak at an event. Edmond voted against it, but others disagreed. Malcolm X was later assassinated at that event, which was held at the Audubon Ballroom. After Malcolm X's death, Edmond stayed in touch with Betty Shabazz, Malcolm X's wife. Edmond was also a member of the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

Journalism and Writing

Lez Edmond was a talented writer. He co-authored a book called African History: An Illustrated Handbook with Earl Sweeting.

He also reported on important events. He covered the Harlem riot of 1964 for Ramparts magazine. His detailed report was titled "Harlem Diary: The Untold Story of the American Nightmare." He wrote about police shootings and had special access to many areas because he held a United Nations press pass. He also wrote another book in 2014 with Louis Gesualdi.

His Influence on Others

Lez Edmond inspired many people. The book Do Not Hold Doors by Jeffrey Dessources was influenced by Edmond, along with other thinkers like Ishmael Reed and Cornel West. He also influenced the making of The Souls of Black Girls, a film produced by Daphne S. Valerius.

Life in Academia

Edmond was a professor at St. John's University (New York City). There, he was part of the Multicultural Advisory Committee. He also directed the Multicultural and Ethnic Studies program at the university.

He taught African American Studies and supported Black Solidarity Day. He also enjoyed collecting art. He even interacted with basketball players, including Ron Artest. Edmond was disappointed when Artest left college early to join the NBA.

Personal Life

Lez Edmond passed away in April 2017. He had one known daughter, LezAnne Edmond.