William Byron Rumford facts for kids

William Byron Rumford (born February 2, 1908 – died June 12, 1986) was an American pharmacist and a politician. He made history as the first African American to be elected to a state public office in Northern California. He worked hard to fight for fairness and equal rights for everyone.

Who Was William Byron Rumford?

William Byron Rumford was born in a small mining town called Courtland, Arizona, in 1908. His family moved around a lot when he was young. His mother worked hard as a housekeeper. His grandmother was also a strong woman who fought against unfair rules in schools. She believed all kids should learn together, no matter their background.

Growing Up and Moving Around

William's family moved to Los Angeles and then to Phoenix. His stepfather joined the family, and William and his brother had to work to help out. These early experiences taught him the importance of hard work and standing up for what is right.

Becoming a Pharmacist

William graduated from Carver High School in Phoenix in 1926. This was a school for Black students at the time. His teachers inspired him to go to college. One teacher, Ellis O. Knox, who later became the first African American to get a doctorate on the West Coast, encouraged him to attend the University of California, Berkeley.

College Life and Work

At 18, William moved to San Francisco. He worked for a year before starting at Sacramento Junior College. He then got into the pharmacy school at the University of California, San Francisco. To pay for his studies, he worked at night as a parking valet and a doorman. He successfully graduated in 1931. William was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, a group that helps Black men succeed.

Starting His Career

In 1933, William passed an exam to work for the State of California. At that time, very few Black people worked for the state government. He also tried to become an investigator for the California Board of Pharmacy. He passed the written tests but failed the interviews. He felt the questions were unfair and designed to keep Black people from getting the job.

Fighting for a Fair Chance

William didn't give up. He appealed the decision, arguing that the state should hire Black investigators to help address health issues in the Black community. He won his appeal! This allowed him to get his state certification.

He became the first African American hired at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, as an assistant pharmacist. He later worked as an investigator for the state, helping to control the spread of certain diseases. In 1942, he bought his own pharmacy in Berkeley, which became his main focus.

Helping His Community

William Rumford was not just a pharmacist; he was also deeply involved in his community.

Working for Housing and Fairness

In 1942, the Mayor of Berkeley asked him to join the Emergency Housing Committee. This group helped find homes for people who moved to the area during World War II. William used this role to push for housing where people of all backgrounds could live together.

He also helped create the Berkeley Interracial Committee. This group welcomed new people to the community and helped solve problems that came up. They also worked to fight against the unfair treatment of Japanese Americans during the war.

Serving on State Boards

California's Governor Earl Warren appointed William to the Rent Control Board in 1944. This board helped keep rents fair during the war.

A Political Journey

In 1948, William Rumford decided to run for a seat in the California State Assembly. He had been part of the Appomattox Club, an early political group for African Americans in the Bay Area.

Winning His First Election

He won the primary election but initially lost the main election. However, he took the case to court, and the court found that he had actually won! He became the representative for the 17th assembly district in January 1949. He joined Augustus Hawkins, another Black legislator, who was working to pass laws that would help African Americans.

Making Changes in the State Assembly

In his first year, William helped pass a law that stopped unfair treatment in the state National Guard. Even though it was hard to get the bill passed, he talked to many senators and convinced them. This law helped lead to the integration of the Guard over time.

His pharmacy in Berkeley became a meeting place for other future politicians, like Lionel Wilson (who became mayor) and Allen Broussard (who became a Supreme Court Justice).

Important Laws He Helped Pass

William Byron Rumford worked on many important laws during his time in the legislature.

The Fair Employment Practices Act

One of his biggest achievements was helping to pass the California Fair Employment Practices Act. This law made it illegal to treat people unfairly when they were looking for jobs. The NAACP and many others supported this bill. It passed in 1959 and created a commission to enforce fair employment.

Protecting Public Health

In 1953, William became the chairman of the Public Health Committee. He worked on important issues like air pollution. He even traveled to Detroit to talk to car companies about reducing pollution. His committee passed the first air pollution control act in California in 1955. They also passed laws to control radiation.

He also investigated the effects of DDT, a pesticide, and found it in milk supplies. This showed his dedication to public safety.

The Rumford Fair Housing Bill

In 1963, William introduced Assembly Bill 1240, known as the Rumford Fair Housing Bill. This bill aimed to stop unfair treatment in housing, meaning landlords could not refuse to rent or sell to someone because of their race.

This bill faced strong opposition from real estate groups. People even protested at the California State Capitol. Despite the challenges, the bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Pat Brown.

However, opponents of the law tried to change the California Constitution to allow housing discrimination. This effort, called Proposition 14, passed but was later ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. This showed how important William's original law was.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1966, William Rumford ran for a seat in the California State Senate but did not win. There were some issues with the voting process, which he tried to investigate.

Working in Washington, D.C.

In 1971, he was invited to Washington, D.C. to work for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). He spent five years there, helping to protect consumers.

Returning Home

In 1976, William Rumford returned to Berkeley and his pharmacy. He retired in 1981. He passed away in 1986 at the age of 78.

Honors and Recognition

William Byron Rumford received many honors for his work:

• In 1972, he was recognized for his contributions to fighting air pollution.
• In 1980, a part of Highway 24, the Grove-Shafter Freeway, was renamed the William Byron Rumford Freeway in his honor.
• A postal station and a senior housing community in Berkeley are also named after him.
• His historical papers are kept at the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley.
• In 2016, a bronze monument (a statue) of him was placed in Berkeley near where his pharmacy used to be.

William Byron Rumford's life showed how one person can make a huge difference in fighting for fairness and improving the lives of others.