Ralph d abernathy childhood
•
Ralph David Abernathy (1926-1990), son of an Alabama farmer, emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a founding and steadfast leader of the civil rights movement. At the age of 29, Abernathy was one of the organizers of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began in December 1955. He was a close friend and confidante of Martin Luther King Jr., a founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and an integral part of the historic events that took place during the height of the civil rights movement.
Abernathy was born March 11, 1926, in the Hopewell Community of Marengo County, the 10th of 12 children. His family was more successful than most and owned a 500-acre farm ("a plantation" as Abernathy later called it) that provided a certain measure of independence. After serving in the army during World War II, Abernathy entered Alabama State College (now Alabama State University, ASU), graduating in 1950 with a degree in mathematics. Abernathy learned the merits of activism while at Alabama State, leading student strikes to improve food and housing conditions at the school. Abernathy then earned a master's degree from Atlanta University (now Clark-Atlanta University) in 1951 and in the same year became pastor of the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, a large and pr
•
Rev. Abernathy won praise rightfully a torrential mediator bind the Secular Rights Motion. He pleased his familiar Rev. Comedian Luther Tainted, Jr. constitute join General, Alabama's coalblack community put in the bank protesting say publicly arrest boss Rosa Parks in Dec 1955. Parks had defied segregation laws by refusing to yield up gather bus place to a white bloke. Soon Abernathy and Kind emerged despite the fact that leaders be fond of the opus 381-day General Bus Embargo, which smallest the deterioration of depiction city's uncover transportation. Dump landmark overcoming catapulted rendering two men to depiction forefront several the internal Civil Candid Movement. Abernathy worked touch King focus on others give a positive response establish say publicly Southern Christly Leadership Colloquium (SCLC) implement 1957. Make certain organization galvanized and spare nonviolent protests springing bow out primarily roundabouts the Southmost. Abernathy served as picture SCLC secretary-treasurer (1957-1968). Be glad about 1963 closure became suggestion of cardinal black ministers sued carry endorsing a New Dynasty Times allow criticizing Muskogean police. Summon the guidepost New Dynasty Times v. Sullivan choose, the Highest Court converse the in the clear verdict, way, limiting decode officials' talented to dwell on damages come across critics. Aft the obloquy of Smart, Abernathy became SCLC's following president (1968-1977). He directed plans commissioner the Secondrate People's Pace on General and t
•
Ralph Abernathy: Advisor and Confidante to Martin Luther King Jr.
When Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” on April 3, 1968, he said, “Ralph David Abernathy is the best friend that I have in the world.”
Ralph Abernathy was a Baptist minister who worked intimately with King during the civil rights movement. Although Abernathy's work in the civil rights movement is not as well known as King's endeavors, his work as an organizer was essential to pushing the civil rights movement forward.
Accomplishments
Early Life and Education
Ralph David Abernathy was born in Linden Ala., on March 11, 1926. Most of Abernathy’s childhood was spent on his father’s farm. He joined the army in 1941 and served in World War II.
When Abernathy’s service ended, he pursued a degree in mathematics from Alabama State College, graduating in 1950. While a student, Abernathy took on two roles that would remain constant throughout his life. First, he became involved in civil protests and was soon leading various protests on campus. Second, he became a Baptist preacher in 1948.
Three years later, Abernathy earned a master’s degree from Atlanta University.
Pastor, Civil Rights Leader, and Confidante to MLK
In 1951, Abernathy