Ronald Durham facts for kids

L. Ronald Durham is an American civil rights activist, a pastor, and a Baptist minister. He has served as a pastor at several churches, including First Baptist Church in Anderson, New Jersey, First Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, and Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. He also helped start the local chapter of the National Action Network in Daytona Beach. He has been involved in ministry for over fifty years.

Early Life and Education

L. Ronald Durham was born and grew up in Passaic, New Jersey. He finished high school at Passaic High School in 1968. He started his work as a minister when he was just 16 years old. He received his license from Rev. T. H. Alexander of Union Baptist Church in Passaic.

He attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, for four years. He received a full scholarship from someone he didn't even know. He graduated from Shaw University in 1972. Later, he earned his doctoral degree from Evangel Christian University in Monroe, Louisiana.

Fighting for Justice

Ronald Durham is known for being an activist who fights against unfairness and injustice. He met Rev. Al Sharpton during a protest against racial profiling. This happened on the New Jersey Turnpike and involved the New Jersey State Police. Racial profiling means treating people unfairly based on their race. Durham and Sharpton have worked together for twenty years.

Trayvon Martin Rally

Durham and Rev. Sharpton helped organize a large rally in Sanford, Florida. This event took place on March 21, 2012. It was held after the tragic death of a young man named Trayvon Martin. Durham worked with local churches to choose Fort Mellon Park as the rally location. He also met with city officials in Sanford.

It is believed that more than 30,000 people attended the rally. People came from all over the United States and even from other countries. The demonstration was peaceful and showed how many people cared about the issue.

Leading the Community

Durham was chosen to be the president of the Volusia County Democratic Black Caucus. This group works to make sure the voices of the community are heard. As president, he promised that he would listen to the people. He said the group has always worked to highlight important community issues. He promised to keep doing this, always putting the community's interests first.

Voter Education

Durham believes that educating voters is very important. He said that without it, groups cannot address big issues. These issues include poverty, women's rights, civil rights, healthcare, and affordable housing. He explained that a balance of power is needed. This can only happen if voters understand how important their votes are. He also stressed the need to choose the right leaders and connect with young voters.

Helping the Community

Ronald Durham has started programs to help people in need. These programs provide free food and clothing. He also created the Friendship Academy. This academy is a learning center for young children. It started with preschoolers and plans to add classes up to fifth grade.

Durham also served as the co-chairman of FAITH. FAITH stands for "Fighting Against Injustice Toward Harmony." This shows his ongoing commitment to making things fair and peaceful for everyone.