Ralph Campbell Sr. facts for kids
Ralph Campbell Sr. (born August 4, 1915 – died May 15, 1983) was an important American leader. He worked at the post office and was a strong voice for civil rights. Civil rights means making sure everyone has equal rights, no matter their race. Ralph Campbell Sr. lived and worked in Raleigh, North Carolina. His wife, June Campbell, was also a very important activist.
Ralph Campbell Sr. and June had two sons who also became well-known. Their son Ralph Campbell Jr. followed in their footsteps and became the state auditor for North Carolina. Another son, Bill Campbell, later became the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Ralph Campbell Sr. also served his country in the military during World War II and the Korean War.
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Working for Civil Rights
Ralph Campbell Sr. was a key leader in the fight for civil rights. From 1960 to 1965, he was the president of the Raleigh Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP is a group that works to ensure fair treatment and equal rights for all people.
The March on Washington
In 1963, Ralph Campbell Sr. took part in a very important event called the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This was a huge gathering where many people marched to ask for equal rights and jobs for everyone. It was a major moment in the civil rights movement.
The Oval Table Gang
In the early 1960s, Ralph and June Campbell started holding meetings at their home. They invited other civil rights leaders to talk about how to make changes. This group often sat around an oval glass table, so they became known as the "Oval Table Gang."
- They planned ways to end segregation in schools. Segregation meant that Black and white students had to go to separate schools.
- They worked to support Black people who wanted to run for political jobs.
- They organized peaceful protests to bring about change.
These important meetings continued until Ralph Campbell Sr. passed away.
Desegregating Schools
Ralph and June Campbell believed strongly that all children should have the chance to go to the same schools. They asked the Raleigh School Board to let their children attend schools that were only for white students at the time.
The school board agreed to let their youngest son, Bill, go to Murphey School. This made Bill the very first Black child to attend a desegregated school in Raleigh. Ralph Campbell Sr. worked at the post office, and his job was at risk if he went with Bill to school. So, his wife June bravely took Bill to Murphey School on his first day. This was a big step forward for equal education.
Remembering Ralph Campbell Sr.
Ralph Campbell Sr. died in 1983. After his death, the North Carolina General Assembly, which is like the state's government, honored him for his important work. His wife June passed away in 2004. They are both buried at Raleigh National Cemetery.
In 2005, both Ralph Campbell Sr. and June Campbell were honored again. They were inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame. This means they were recognized for their great contributions to the city of Raleigh and to the civil rights movement.
