A controversial path towards Civil Rights
Whitney Young was the man in the middle between white and black, rich and poor during one of the most turbulent times in American history. As the executive director of the National Urban League during the 1960s, Young formed relationships with politicians, CEOs, and those who held the majority of power in order to build a bridge between them and the minorities who suffered without healthcare, employment, or proper education. Placing himself in the line of fire from not only white people, but also the Black Power movement for his closeness to the white establishment, Young helped erase African American stereotypes and open opportunities for minorities that continue to influence diversity in American today.
“I had a chance to watch the film over the weekend. What an incredible story and so well told! It was really enlightening to learn about a facet of the movement that has been very under the radar for me. Thank you for sharing it!”
family
Born in 1921, Whitney Young Jr. attended a segregated school, Lincoln Institute, where his father was principal.
service
Young served in a segregated unit in the Army during World War II, where he frequently mediated tensions between the white and African American service members.
counsel
Executive Director of the National Urban League, Young advised many of the most powerful and influential people of the time.
First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks at White House Screening of The Powerbroker
On August 27, 2013, the White House held a screening of The Powerbroker. This documentary was produced by Bonnie Boswell and follows the story of her uncle Whitney Young in his civil rights fight of the 1960's. First Lady Michelle Obama, who graduated from the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL in 1981, introduced the film.
“I watched The Powerbroker on a plane today and thought it was excellent. Your Uncle was clearly a man ahead of his time (for example, the cogent argument he was making for diversity in business - and back in the 1960s!).
It’s amazing how critical he was to the civil rights movement and how little recognition he gets today. I suspect part of it has to do with his focus on results and his willingness to put his own ego aside. To that end, I particularly liked the way you showed not only his “no ego” approach but also his mediation skills, his use of humor to defuse situations, etc. It’s sad that he passed away so young - not only for your family but also for the movement. Who knows what he might have accomplished with more time. I also loved the idea of a domestic Marshall Plan. The logical argument is compelling.”
For more information on THE POWERBROKER, visit
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