Robert Graetz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Graetz
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Graetz in 2015
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| Born |
Robert Sylvester Graetz Jr.
May 16, 1928 |
| Died | September 20, 2020 (aged 92) Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Capital University, Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary |
| Occupation | Clergyman, activist |
| Organization | Montgomery Improvement Association |
| Movement | Civil Rights Movement |
| Spouse(s) | Jean Ellis |
Robert Sylvester Graetz Jr. (May 16, 1928 – September 20, 2020) was a Lutheran minister. He was a white pastor who led a Black church in Montgomery, Alabama. He bravely supported the Montgomery bus boycott. This was a very important event in the Civil Rights Movement.
Contents
Robert Graetz's Early Life and Education
Robert Graetz was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He grew up and went to school in Columbus, Ohio. His father worked as an engineer.
College Years and Activism
Graetz went to Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. He graduated in 1950. While there, he started a club to improve race relations on campus. Walter Francis White, a leader of the NAACP, even spoke at one of their meetings. Graetz later earned a special degree in 1955 from Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus.
Family Life
On June 10, 1951, Robert married Jean Ellis, who was known as Jeannie. They had seven children together.
Life After Montgomery
In 1958, the Graetz family moved back to Columbus, Ohio. Robert became the minister of another Black church there. Over the years, he worked in different states like Ohio, Kentucky, California, and Washington D.C. In Washington D.C., he spent 13 years working as a lobbyist. He worked to help people who were often ignored or treated unfairly.
Returning to Montgomery
In 2007, the Graetzes returned to Montgomery, Alabama. They became very involved in community activities. They joined groups like One Montgomery, which promotes diversity. They also worked with the League of Women Voters. Each year, they hosted an event called the Graetz Symposium. This event took place at Alabama State University. It focused on civil rights and African-American culture.
Speaking Out for Justice
Robert Graetz continued to speak out against unfairness. In 2017, he strongly criticized violence caused by white nationalist groups. He believed it was important to stand up for what is right.
Passing Away
Robert Graetz had Parkinson's disease. He passed away at his home in Montgomery on September 20, 2020.
Robert Graetz's Role in the Civil Rights Movement
Robert Graetz's first full-time job as a pastor was at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montgomery. This was a Black church. He started working there in 1955. This was the same year the Montgomery bus boycott began.
Supporting the Bus Boycott
Graetz was a personal friend of Rosa Parks. He became the secretary of the Montgomery Improvement Association. This group was created to organize and support the bus boycott. The Sunday after Rosa Parks was arrested, Graetz spoke to his church. He told them, "Let’s try to make this boycott as effective as possible." He encouraged everyone to participate fully. Graetz also spoke at meetings led by Martin Luther King Jr..
Facing Challenges
While a few other white people in Montgomery supported the boycott, Graetz was the only white minister who did so. Because of his support, he and his family faced many difficulties. Other white people often avoided them. Their car tires were cut, and sugar was poured into their gas tank. They received threats, some of which were against their children. They were even arrested. Bombs were planted at their home three times. Once, a large bomb with 11 sticks of dynamite did not explode, thankfully.
Sharing His Story
Graetz wrote a book about his experiences called A White Preacher's Memoir: The Montgomery Bus Boycott. It was published in 1999. Another book, They Walked to Freedom 1955–1956: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, also includes his story. It has photos of Graetz with Martin Luther King Jr. and others.
Books and Publications by Robert Graetz
- A Congregational Guide to Human Relations, 1964
- "An Informed Church Serves a Diverse Society", a chapter in The Church in a Diverse Society, 1964
- Monthly columnist for Columbus, Ohio, Diocese Catholic Times (1973–87)
- Montgomery – a White Preacher's Memoir, 1991 (re-published as A White Preacher's Memoir: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1999. ISBN: 1-57966-015-0)
- A White Preacher's Message on Race And Reconciliation: Based on His Experiences Beginning With the Montgomery Bus Boycott, 2006. ISBN: 1-58838-190-0
Awards and Recognition
- Russwurm Award, National Negro Newspaper Publishers Association, 1957
- Selma Humanitarian Award, 1976
- Distinguished Alumnus, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 1986
- Doctor of Humanities, Capital University, 1990
- Ohio Humanitarian Award, 1993
- (Ohio) Governor's Humanitarian Award, 1997
Images for kids
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Graetz in 2015
See also
In Spanish: Robert Graetz para niños
