Andrew Young

Andrew Young

Andrew Young is a prominent American politician, diplomat, and civil rights activist. He is best known for his work as a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., his tenure as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, and his role as the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia.

Early Life and Education

Andrew Jackson Young Jr. was born on March 12, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the son of Daisy Fuller Young, a schoolteacher, and Andrew Jackson Young Sr., a dentist. Young grew up in a middle-class family and was exposed to the racial segregation and discrimination prevalent in the South during his childhood.

Young attended Dillard University for a year before transferring to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1951. He later attended the Hartford Theological Seminary in Connecticut, where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1955.

Civil Rights Movement

After completing his theological studies, Young became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), where he worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. Young played a key role in organizing civil rights campaigns, including the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which were pivotal in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Political Career

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1972, Young was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Georgia's 5th congressional district, becoming the first African American to represent Georgia in Congress since Reconstruction. He served in the House from 1973 to 1977.

United Nations Ambassador

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed Young as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. During his tenure, Young advocated for human rights and economic development in Africa and other developing regions. He was instrumental in negotiating the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola and played a significant role in the negotiations that led to the independence of Namibia.

Mayor of Atlanta

Young served as the Mayor of Atlanta from 1982 to 1990. During his tenure, he focused on improving the city's infrastructure, attracting international investment, and preparing Atlanta to host the 1996 Summer Olympics. His leadership helped transform Atlanta into a major international city.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office as mayor, Young continued to be active in public life. He served as co-chair of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and worked on various international development projects. Young has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to civil rights and public service, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

References

• "Andrew Young." Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from [1]
• "Andrew Young." The History Makers. Retrieved from [2]

External Links

• Andrew J. Young Foundation
• The Carter Center: Andrew Young