Richard Alton Graham facts for kids

Richard Alton Graham (born November 6, 1920 – died September 24, 2007) was an important American leader. He worked for equal rights for all people. He was one of the first five members of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This group helps make sure everyone has a fair chance at jobs. He also started the National Teachers Corps. This program helped bring good teachers to schools. Richard Graham was also one of the people who started the National Organization for Women (NOW). He became one of its first leaders.

Richard Graham's Early Life

Richard Graham was born in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Lima, Ohio and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Forces. He was stationed in Iran. After the war, he worked with his father. They developed a special part for electric motors. They ran a small factory together. Later, Richard decided to work for the public.

His Education Journey

Richard Graham went to Cornell University. He earned a degree in engineering in 1942. Later, he studied education at Catholic University. He earned a master's degree in 1970. He continued his studies and earned a Ph.D. in philosophy in 1972. This degree was from the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Working for the Public Good

Richard Graham spent much of his life helping others. He held many important roles.

Joining the Peace Corps

In 1961, Graham became a leader in the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is a program where Americans volunteer to help people in other countries. He worked with Sargent Shriver, the first director. From 1963 to 1965, Graham worked in Tunisia. He was the Peace Corps country director there.

Fighting for Fair Jobs (EEOC)

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson chose Graham for a new job. He became one of the first Commissioners of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This group works to stop unfair treatment in jobs. They make sure people are not judged by their gender or background. Graham helped create rules against discrimination. He learned a lot about women's rights on the job. He became a strong supporter of women's equality. He worked closely with Aileen Hernandez. She was the only woman on the commission.

Helping Start NOW

In 1966, Richard Graham helped start the National Organization for Women (NOW). This group works for women's rights. He became its first vice president. It was not common for men to publicly support women's rights back then. His leadership helped NOW gain respect. Kim Gandy, a later NOW president, said his involvement gave the group "credibility."

Leading the National Teachers Corps

Also in 1966, Graham became the first director of the National Teachers Corps. This program aimed to bring good teachers to schools that needed them. It started with 1,250 teachers in 125 schools. The program needed more money to succeed. Graham worked hard to get more funding from Congress. By 1968, the Teacher Corps grew to 200 schools. It gained support from both political parties. Graham continued to lead the Teacher Corps until 1971.

Later Work and Contributions

In the mid-1970s, Graham worked at Harvard Graduate School of Education. He directed the Center for Moral Education. He also served as president of Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. He helped create the Goddard-Cambridge Center for Social Change. From the 1980s until his death, he advised the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy. This group studies values and philosophy.

Richard Graham's Family Life

Richard Graham married Nancy Aring Graham on December 21, 1949. They were married for 57 years. They had five children together: Peggy Sue, Charles Louis, Richard, Nan, and John.