William Holmes Borders facts for kids

William Holmes Borders, Sr. (born February 24, 1905 – died November 23, 1993) was an important leader and activist for civil rights. He was also the pastor of Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1937 to 1988. He worked hard to make life better and fairer for African Americans during a time when they faced many challenges.

Who Was William Holmes Borders?

William Holmes Borders was a powerful speaker and a strong voice for change. He believed everyone should be treated equally, no matter their race. As a pastor, he led his church and inspired many people in the community to join the fight for civil rights.

A Voice on the Radio

In 1940, Borders became so well-known in the Black community that a local radio station gave him his own weekly show. People of all races listened to hear him talk about important issues. He spoke about segregation, which was when Black and white people were kept separate. He also talked about disfranchisement, which meant stopping people from voting.

Borders also discussed patriotism during World War II, encouraging love for the country. He spoke about the "Great Migration," when many Black families moved from the southern states to the northern states looking for better opportunities. His radio show became very popular in Atlanta.

Standing Up for Rights

William Holmes Borders was a brave leader. During the time when buses in Atlanta were still segregated, he took a stand. He sat at the front of a bus, even though it was against the rules for Black people then. For this act of protest, he was arrested. His actions helped push for desegregation, which meant ending the separation of people by race.

Borders also had a big impact on the life of Martin Luther King Jr.. Dr. King's powerful way of speaking and using his body to express himself was partly inspired by Borders's own style of preaching.

Helping the Community

Beyond his protests, Borders found other ways to help his community. He started the Wheat Street Credit Union. This was a special kind of bank that offered loans with low interest rates to Black people. At that time, it was often very difficult for Black people to get loans from regular banks. The Credit Union helped many families and businesses.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Borders tried three times to become a politician. He ran for a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives. This is where state laws are made. Although he did not win, his efforts showed his dedication to making changes through the political system.

His Family's Legacy

William Holmes Borders, Sr. had a son named William Holmes Borders, Jr. His granddaughter, Lisa Borders, has also become a public figure. She served on the Atlanta City Council and even ran for mayor of Atlanta in the 2009 election. The Borders family has continued to be involved in leadership and public service in Atlanta.