Vernon Odom Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vernon L. Odom, Sr.
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|---|---|
| Born |
Vernon Lane Odom
9 June 1921 |
| Died | 22 May 1996 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Morehouse College Clark Atlanta University |
| Occupation | civil rights leader |
| Spouse(s) | Sadie Harvey Odom |
| Children | Maida Odom Vernon Odom |
Vernon L. Odom, Sr. (June 9, 1921 – May 22, 1996) was an important American leader who worked for civil rights. Civil rights are the basic rights that all people should have, like freedom and equal treatment. He was born in Biscoe, Arkansas.
His father, Dr. Elijah Odom, was born into slavery in 1859 and later became a doctor. His mother, Ada Odom, was a teacher. She raised Vernon and his siblings after his father passed away in 1924.
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Who Was Vernon L. Odom, Sr.?
Vernon Odom, Sr. was a dedicated leader who spent 43 years fighting for civil rights. He worked mainly in Akron, Ohio. He helped many people and communities.
Early Life and Education
In 1949, Vernon Odom graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. After that, he earned a master's degree in social work from Clark Atlanta University. Social work is a field where people help others in their communities.
A Leader for Civil Rights
Vernon Odom was known for his long career helping others. He was the executive director of the Akron Community Service Center. He also led the Akron chapter of the Urban League. The Urban League is an organization that works to help African Americans achieve equality.
Today, people remember him through the Vern Odom Allotment. This is a housing area located near Vernon Odom Boulevard.
The Story of Vernon Odom Boulevard
In 2002, a street in Akron, Ohio, was renamed in his honor. This street was formerly called Wooster Avenue. It runs through a neighborhood where many African-American people live.
When the street was renamed, some signs were made incorrectly. They read "V Odom Boulevard" instead of "Vernon Odom Boulevard." This mistake caused a lot of talk and even some amusement in the community. People started calling the street "Vodom."
It took some time, but eventually, most of the signs were changed to show his full name, "Vernon Odom." This made sure that people fully recognized the important leader the street was named after.
His Family
Vernon Odom was married to Sadie Harvey Odom. They had two children. Their son, Vernon Odom, became a journalist in Philadelphia. Their daughter, Maida C. Odom, is a professor of journalism at Temple University in Philadelphia.
