Whitney Young Jr. was a prominent African American civil rights leader who played a key role in the civil rights movement. Born on July 31, 1921, in Lincoln Ridge, Kentucky, Young dedicated his life to fighting for racial equality and social justice.

Young served as the executive director of the National Urban League from 1961 until his death in 1971. Under his leadership, the Urban League became one of the largest and most influential civil rights organizations in the United States. Young focused on advancing economic opportunities for African Americans through programs that promoted job training, employment, and housing access.

One of Young's most significant contributions was his work to bridge the gap between the civil rights movement and the business community. He believed in the power of economic empowerment as a means to achieve racial equality, and he worked tirelessly to boost economic opportunities for African Americans in corporate America.

Young was also a key advisor to several U.S. presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon. He used his influence to push for policy changes that would benefit African Americans and other marginalized communities.

Tragically, Whitney Young Jr. passed away in 1971 at the age of 49. However, his legacy lives on as a tireless advocate for social and economic justice for African Americans and as a pioneer in the fight for civil rights in America.