Whitney M. Young Jr. (1921-1971) was a prominent Civil Rights activist and leader in the United States. He was a social worker who dedicated his life to combating racial inequality and advocating for social justice. Young served as the executive director of the National Urban League from 1961 to 1971, where he worked tirelessly to empower African Americans and improve their access to education, employment, and housing opportunities.

Young was known for his pragmatic approach to civil rights, stressing the importance of working within existing structures to create change. He believed in the power of partnerships between government, businesses, and community organizations to address systemic racism and social injustice. Young was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, collaborating with other leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Roy Wilkins to advance the cause of racial equality.

In addition to his work with the National Urban League, Young served on various government committees and advisory boards, where he provided valuable insights on issues affecting African Americans. He was a strong advocate for economic empowerment and educational equality, believing that these were essential components of achieving racial justice.

Whitney Young's legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders to fight for equality and social justice. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981 for his contributions to civil rights and social welfare.