Near Simpsonville in Shelby County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971)

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

1. Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971) Marker (front)

Inscription. Civil rights leader born here. Son of distinguished educator, Dr. Whitney M. Young, Sr. Served in US Army, World War II. Graduated Ky. State College, 1941; U. of Minn., 1947. Director of Urban Leagues in Minn. and Neb., 1947-53. Dean of School of Social Work, Atlanta Univ., 1954-60. Director National Urban League, 1961 until death. Originally buried Lexington, Ky.

(Reverse)
Devoted his life to overcoming injustice to and furthering economic progress for Blacks. As Director of National Urban League, helped thousands find employment. Declined cabinet post in 1968 to remain with League where he believed could accomplish more. Gravesite eulogy delivered by President Nixon; first civil rights leader so honored. Over.

Erected 1971 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1419.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #37 Richard M. Nixon, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 38° 13.444′ N, 85° 22.483′ W. Marker is near Simpsonville

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, Kentucky, in Shelby County. Marker is on Shelbyville Road (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east. Located at the entrance to the Whitney M. Young Job Corps Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Shelbyville Road, Simpsonville KY 40067, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lincoln Institute Campus (within shouting distance of this marker); "Horrible Massacre" / African American Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Simpsonville Methodist Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); Old Stone Inn (approx. 1½ miles away); Capt. John Simpson (approx. 1½ miles away); Thelma L. Stovall (approx. 2.8 miles away); Ednum Gregg (approx. 3 miles away); Benjamin Bridges, Sr. (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Simpsonville.

Also see . . . Biography of Whitney Young Jr. (Submitted on July 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971) Marker (reverse) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

2. Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1921-1971) Marker (reverse)

Looking east on U.S. Highway 60. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

3. Looking east on U.S. Highway 60.

The view east on Shelbyville Road. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 15, 2019

4. The view east on Shelbyville Road.

Whitney M. Young, Jr. at the White House. image. Click for full size.

Public domain

5. Whitney M. Young, Jr. at the White House.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 477 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.