Benjamin Mays was a prominent African American educator, minister, and civil rights activist. He was born in 1894 in South Carolina and grew up in poverty, but through hard work and determination, he earned a bachelor's degree from Bates College and went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Chicago. Mays later obtained a doctorate in theology from the University of Chicago.

Mays served as the president of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1940 to 1967. During his tenure, he transformed the college into a leading institution for Black higher education. Mays was a mentor and inspiration to many students, including Martin Luther King Jr., who later credited Mays with influencing his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

Mays was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and equality, speaking out against segregation and discrimination. He was a key figure in the civil rights movement, working alongside leaders like King to bring about social change.

Throughout his life, Benjamin Mays worked tirelessly to advance the cause of racial equality and education, leaving a lasting legacy in both the academic and civil rights spheres. He passed away in 1984, but his impact on Black history and the fight for justice continues to be felt today.