Whitney Moore Young Jr. was born in Lincoln Ridge, Kentucky on July 31, 1921. His primary schooling was at the Lincoln Institute where he graduated as class valedictorian.  The Institute was a boarding school run by his father. Whitney's mother also taught at the school. In 1946, he earned his BS degree from Kentucky State Industrial College after returning from a hitch in the Army and teaching school for a year. 

Whitney's experience while serving in the European Theatre during World War II under a white captain in an all black regiment solidified his desire to enter the race relations field. Whitney married Margaret Buckner in 1944.

After the war, he began his graduate studies in social work at the University of Minnesota. He earned his Masters degree in 1947. 

Whitney worked for the St. Paul Urban League from 1947 to 1950 and the Omaha, Nebraska Urban League from 1950 to 1954.  During this time he also worked as an instructor at the Nebraska School of Social Work and Creighton University.

In 1954, he became the Dean of Atlanta University School of Social Work, which gave him the opportunity to actively participate in the Civil Rights battles of the South. He was involved in desegregating the Atlanta Public Library system and also co-chaired The Atlanta Council on Human Relations. 

In 1961, Whitney Young became executive director of the National Urban League. He served on commissions under both Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.

Whitney initiated Urban League goals and plans which included helping Blacks in the areas of housing, employment and education. His programs were incorporated into President Johnson's 1960's Anti-Poverty Program.

He was the author of two books, To Be Equal and Beyond Racism. 

Whitney Moore Young died in a swimming accident while visiting Lagos, Nigeria on March 11, 1971.

FURTHER READING:

Whitney Moore Young, Jr.: Social Work Administrator 1921-1971