Royal L. Bolling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Royal Lee Bolling, Sr.
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Royal L. Bolling circa 1984
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| Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the Second Suffolk district |
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| In office 1983–1988 |
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| Preceded by | Bill Owens |
| Succeeded by | Bill Owens |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives | |
| In office 1971–1974 |
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| Preceded by | Michael E. Haynes |
| Succeeded by | Seat eliminated |
| In office 1961–1968 |
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| Preceded by | George Green / Oswald L. Jordan |
| Succeeded by | Seat eliminated |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 19, 1920 Dinwiddie County, Virginia |
| Died | July 16, 2002 (aged 82) Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Thelma Greene Bolling |
| Children | Royal L. Bolling Jr. Bruce Bolling |
| Alma mater | Howard University Harvard University Boston University Law School |
Royal Lee Bolling (born June 19, 1920 – died July 16, 2002) was an important politician from Massachusetts. He was part of a famous African-American political family. While he was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1965, he helped create a law called the Racial Imbalance Act. This law was very important because it helped end segregation in Boston's public schools. Segregation meant that students of different races were kept separate.
Bolling was also a brave soldier in World War II. He earned a special award called the Silver Star. He was part of a group of soldiers known as the "Buffalo Soldiers". Besides his public service, he also started a successful real estate business that he ran for 50 years.
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Early Life and Education
Royal Bolling was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Framingham, Massachusetts. He lived in a small yellow house near Bowditch Field. He showed a talent for politics early on.
He ran for president of his high school class at Framingham High School. He even got support from the Massachusetts governor and the Boston Mayor. He became the first African-American class president at his school. He was re-elected twice before he graduated in 1940.
He went to Howard University for a while. He earned money for school by performing as a tap dancer in nightclubs. Later, he left school to join the military. After the war, he moved to Roxbury. He continued his studies at Harvard University and Boston University Law School. While he was still a student, he started a real estate agency. He retired from this business around 1992.
Military Service and Awards
In 1943, Bolling joined the U.S. Army. He was part of the segregated 92nd infantry division. This group was also known as the "Buffalo Soldiers." He became a first lieutenant.
He fought in Italy, which was occupied by Germany at the time. He showed great bravery and leadership. For his actions, he earned several awards. These included the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and four Battle Stars. He also received the Combat Infantry Badge.
Political Career and Achievements
In 1961, Royal Bolling was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He served six terms, each lasting two years. He represented different areas of Boston during his time there.
After a break, he ran again and was elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 1982. He represented the Second Suffolk District until 1988. He lost his re-election bid to Bill Owens.
During his career, Bolling wrote over 200 new laws or ideas for laws. In 1963, he suggested the original Racial Imbalance Act. A version of this law was signed in 1965. This law was very important because it helped end segregation in Boston's public schools.
He also helped create Boston's METCO program. This program allows students from city schools to attend schools in the suburbs. He also helped get the first money needed to start Roxbury Community College. Bolling also pushed for the creation of the Second Suffolk Senate District. This led to Boston's first black state senator being elected in 1974.
In 1985, he supported a bill to rebuild the land of Boston State Hospital. Many new homes have been built there since then. Bolling was also an early supporter of gay rights. He led the Hispanic Commission, which was the state's first group focused on issues affecting Latino people. He was also known for his diplomatic skills. He traveled around the world and met with leaders of other countries.
He was a member of several important organizations. These included the NAACP, the Urban League, and the Black United Front. He also belonged to groups for veterans, like Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.
Family Life
Royal Bolling married Thelma "Angela" Greene in 1943. They had 12 children together. Two of his sons followed in his footsteps and became politicians. His first son, Royal L. Bolling Jr., served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. His second son, Bruce Bolling, became Boston's first African-American City Council president.
Bolling's wife passed away in 2002. About a month later, Royal Bolling also died. He passed away at his vacation home in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Memorials
In June 2006, a street in Dorchester was named Senator Bolling Circle in his honor. Many important politicians attended the dedication ceremony. These included former governor Michael Dukakis and former state senate president William M. Bulger.
See also
- 1963–1964 Massachusetts legislature
- 1971–1972 Massachusetts legislature
- 1973–1974 Massachusetts legislature
