Major Coxson facts for kids

Major Benjamin Coxson, also known as The Maj, (around 1929 – June 8, 1973) was a successful businessman and a leader who worked for civil rights. He owned a nightclub in Philadelphia with civil rights activist Stanley Branche. Coxson was also a close friend and neighbor of the famous boxer Muhammad Ali. In 1972, he ran for mayor of Camden, New Jersey, but he did not win.

Coxson passed away at his home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, on June 8, 1973.

Early Life and Learning

Benjamin Coxson was born in Fairbank, Pennsylvania, to Israel and Maybell Coxson. He went to Benjamin Franklin High School in Philadelphia.

As a teenager, he started working at shoe shine stands and car washes. He was very good at saving and investing his money. He used his earnings to buy used car lots and car dealerships, which helped him start other businesses. In 1946, he was called to serve in the military during the time of the World War II draft.

A Life of Business and Community

Coxson was a co-owner of a popular nightclub in Center City Philadelphia called the Rolls Royce Lounge. He ran this business with Stanley Branche, who was also a civil rights activist.

Coxson was known for his business ventures. He was involved in setting up different companies. He was also a friend of Angelo Bruno, who was a well-known figure in Philadelphia.

He became a close friend and neighbor of the boxing legend Muhammad Ali when Ali lived in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. They first met in 1968. At that time, Ali spoke at a fundraiser for a group called the Black Coalition, where Coxson was a board member.

In 1970, after Muhammad Ali won a boxing match against Jerry Quarry, Ali famously grabbed the microphone. He then said: "I dedicate this win to Major Coxson, the future mayor of Camden, New Jersey." This showed how much Ali supported his friend.

In 1972, Coxson decided to run for mayor of Camden, New Jersey. However, he lost the election to Angelo Errichetti. During his campaign, when people asked about his past, Coxson had a memorable reply:

"Most politicians start out as officeholders and wind up getting arrested. I aim to reverse that process."

—Major Coxson

The Passing of Major Coxson

Major Coxson passed away on June 8, 1973, at his home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Others were also at the house when the event happened. One person who was there told the police that four men arrived at the house early in the morning. They honked their car horn and Coxson let them in, thinking they were friends. The men talked for a while before the situation turned violent.

Investigators believed that a group known as the Black Mafia was involved in Coxson's death.

Two main individuals, Ronald Harvey and Samuel Christian, were considered suspects in the case. Ronald Harvey was later placed on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list because of his suspected involvement. He was arrested and faced charges related to the incident. Harvey was later found guilty of other serious crimes that happened in Washington D.C. in January 1973, but he was never charged with Coxson's death. He died while in prison.

Samuel Christian was also placed on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for his suspected connection to the case. However, Christian was not found guilty of Coxson's death because no witnesses were willing to come forward to testify.

Major Coxson was laid to rest at Mount Lawn Cemetery in Darby, Pennsylvania.

See also

• List of unsolved murders