Preston Valien facts for kids

Preston Valien (born February 19, 1914 – died 1995) was an important African-American sociologist. A sociologist studies how people live together in groups and societies. He taught at Fisk University and Brooklyn College. He also worked for the U.S. federal government, even serving as a diplomat in Nigeria. Valien wrote several books about ending segregation in schools in the Southern United States.

Preston Valien's Early Life

Preston Valien was born on February 19, 1914, in Beaumont, Texas. He went to Prairie View A&M University and earned his first degree there. Later, he continued his studies and received a PhD from the University of Wisconsin.

Valien's Career in Sociology

Preston Valien became a Sociology professor at Fisk University. This university is a historically black college located in Nashville, Tennessee. He led the Sociology department there until 1960.

After leaving Fisk University, Valien worked for the United States Information Agency. From 1960 to 1962, he was a cultural attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria. A cultural attaché is like a diplomat who helps share culture and ideas between countries.

From 1962 to 1965, Valien taught at Brooklyn College. He was an associate professor of Anthropology and Sociology. Later, he worked for the U.S. Office of Education. There, he was in charge of graduate programs. In 1975, he gave the main speech at the graduation ceremony for Alcorn State University.

Valien wrote many books about school desegregation in the Southern United States. Desegregation was the process of ending racial separation in schools. He and his wife also interviewed famous Civil Rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Preston Valien's Personal Life

Preston Valien was married to Bonita Harrison. She was also a sociologist. He passed away in 1995.