5 Influential Civil Rights Activists You Haven’t Heard Of

5 Influential Civil Rights Activists You Haven’t Heard Of

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— With Black History Month upon us, it’s important to take time and recognize the people who worked tirelessly to make a difference. Check out these inspirational quotes from civil rights activists you haven’t heard of, and learn more about their impact on society and the Civil Rights Movement.

Diane Nash (1938–)

One of the most esteemed leaders of the sit-in movement, Diane Nash was prominently involved in some of the most influential campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement. All in her early 20s, Nash helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and led the Selma Voting Rights Movement. She also organized the Nashville Student Movement Ride from Birmingham to Jackson, Mississippi.

Influential Quote: “The movement had a way of reaching inside you and bringing out thing even you didn’t know were there.”

Charles Hamilton Houston (1895–1950)

Although he died before the start of the Civil Rights Movement, his influence was undeniable. Houston was a Black lawyer who worked to dismantle the Jim Crow laws, and he also helped train Thurgood Marshall, another influential American lawyer. He knew how important it was to fight the good fight and give a voice to disadvantaged individuals.

Influential Quote: “The hate and scorn showered on us Negro officers by our fellow Americans convinced me that there was no sense in my dying for a world ruled by them. I made up my mind that if I got through this war I would study law and use my time fighting for men who could not strike back.”

Daisy Bates (1914–1999)

Bates and her husband distributed a weekly African-American newspaper in Arkansas—something not often heard of, but undeniably important. Her way with words and her passion for the Civil Rights Movement led her to become the NAACP Arkansas chapter president. She was also the guiding force behind enrolling nine Black students (The Little Rock Nine) in an all-white high school. Without Bate’s passion for equal opportunity, these students would have never been able to go on and achieve the things they did.

Influential Quote: “No man or woman who tries to pursue an ideal in his or her own way is without enemies.” 

Bayard Rustin (1912–1987)

Rustin worked closely with Martin Luther King, Jr. as a proofreader, ghostwriter, and non-violence strategist. He worked thoroughly and tirelessly behind-the-scenes, most notably as the chief organizer for the March on Washington. He promoted non-violence and advocated for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community as well as African-Americans.

Influential Quote: “People will never fight for your freedom if you have not given evidence that you are prepared to fight for it yourself.”

Dorothy Height (1912–2010)

Another important leader behind the March on Washington, Height fought constantly for the rights of the Black and the female community. She worked with major Civil Rights activists such as MLK Jr., and people regularly called upon her for advice on political issues—most notably, Eleanor Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1994, President Bill Clinton awarded her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Influential Quote: “Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition, he or she has overcome to reach his goals.”