Robert "Sonny" Carson facts for kids

Robert "Sonny" Carson (May 22, 1936 – December 20, 2002) was an important American civil rights activist and community leader. He was also known as Mwlina Imiri Abubadika. Carson served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he became well-known for organizing protests and helping communities in Brooklyn, New York. He worked to improve school systems for African-American communities in the 1960s and 1970s. Sonny Carson also wrote a popular book about his life called The Education of Sonny Carson, which was later made into a film. He was the father of hip-hop artist Professor X.

Robert "Sonny" Carson's Early Life

Robert Carson Jr. was born on May 22, 1936, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. When he was a child, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York. As a young person, Carson joined a group called the Bishops.

Serving in the Korean War

Carson served in the Korean War as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. During his time in the military, he met a Korean soldier. This soldier asked him why a Black man would fight for a country where he couldn't even drink from the same water fountain as others. This question made a big impact on Carson. It helped him decide to become a community activist when he returned home.

Working for Civil Rights

After the war, Sonny Carson went to college. He soon began working for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). CORE was a major civil rights organization. By 1967, he became the executive director of the Brooklyn CORE.

Forming New Groups

In 1968, Carson left CORE. He felt that the organization needed to do more to help African-Americans. Later, he started his own group called the Committee to Honor Black Heroes. He also became known for leading the December 12th Movement. This group worked for justice and equality.

Protesting for Change

Sonny Carson was a strong voice against unfair treatment. In the 1980s, he organized many public demonstrations. These protests spoke out against police brutality. He believed in standing up for what was right and helping his community.

Later Years and Death

In the months before December 2002, Sonny Carson became very ill. He suffered two heart attacks and went into a coma. He was cared for at the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Robert "Sonny" Carson passed away on December 20, 2002, at the age of 66. He is remembered for his dedication to civil rights and his community work.