African Americans
Bunche, Ralph J. (Ralph Johnson)
Ralph Bunche, 1950 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Director of the Trusteeship Division of the United Nations, describes being raised by his grandmother Nana, and states the beliefs that she passed along to him, including faith in God and the dignity of all persons.
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Dawson, Osceola Aleese
Osceola Dawson, a teacher and civic leader, describes her beliefs in the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood and equality of humanity, the Bible as the “infallible guide to conduct,” and the home as “the foundation of society.”
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Evans, Bob, 1924-
Bob Evans, tackle for the University of Pennsylvania, explains his belief in the individual and the individual’s responsibility to oneself, to one’s community, and to one’s God, emphasizing the importance of equality, self respect and the Ten Commandments.
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Haynes, George Edmund, 1880-1960
George Haynes, the Executive Director of National Urban League, describes his beliefs in the equal potential of humans, in beauty, truth, goodness, peace, life, God, and eternity.
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Johnson, Charles Spurgeon
Charles Johnson, the President of Fisk University, describes how his great-grandfather’s experience with slavery, his father’s experience as a Baptist minister, and his own college experience in social services have helped to shape his belief that “no man can be justly judged until you’ve looked at the world through his eyes.”
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McAlpin, Harry S.
Harry McAlpin, a journalist and lawyer, describes his belief in the importance of justice and equality, and the challenges of living that creed as an African American in America.
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McKinney, Howard
Howard McKinney, the Director of Hill City in Pittsburgh, describes growing up in an urban city (Pittsburgh) and explains that, because the influence of a Sunday School teacher directed his own life away from crime, he feels compelled to offer similar opportunities to Pittsburgh’s youth today.
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Millen, Herbert E.
Judge Millen, a Philadelphia judge, describes how, despite his experience as a judge with the bad side of people, he still maintains an optimistic belief in the overall goodness of people, and while he still becomes discouraged and impatient with prejudice, his religion gives him comfort and support.
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Parrish, Charles Henry, 1899-1989
Charles Parrish, Professor of Sociology at the University of Louisville, remembers his childhood and how his parents shaped his present belief that it is always good to help people and look for the goodness in people.
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Robinson, Jackie, 1919-1972
Brooklyn Dodgers baseball player Jackie Robinson, first African American on a major league team in the 20th century, describes his emotional response to the integration of baseball, and states his belief that humans can and must work to overcome prejudice and dogma.
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Vann, Jessie, 1885-1967
Social reformer and newspaper proprietor Jessie Vann of Pittsburgh describes her belief in the value of keeping her promises, her aunt’s prediction that she would never amount to anything, her belief in the power of gratitude and appreciation, and the management of her husband’s newspaper after he died.
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White, Walter Francis, 1893-1955
Walter White, the Executive Secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), recounts the challenges of growing up in a family of light-skinned African Americans (never fully accepted by either side), and describes his beliefs that an end must be obtained by just means, that love for humanity will overcome any obstacles, and that persons should not be judged by their skin color or creed.
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