_____ Video: Harvey Gantt Black History Moment His Nike Air Jordan shoes, in fact, made him millions. In the 1980s, he opposed making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national holiday. Applebome, Carolina Race is Winning the Wallets of America, New York Example video title will go here for this video. You needed that job, and you were the best qualified, the narrator says. He says that neither he or anyone from his campaign reached out to Jordan directly about an endorsement in 1990. It's just beyond belief. Remaining in office for two terms, Gantt stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other Charlotte leaders committed to establishing a New South City. Clemons, The Mayoral Campaigns of Harvey Gantt: Prospect and If he was in his mid 50s and done all of the things he had done and been as socially conscious as he has been and I was running a campaign, maybe I would have expected more of him, says Gantt. SouthBound Extra: A Preview Of Harvey Gantt Interview. For NC Rep. Tricia Cotham, being a Democrat was a part of her identity from a young age. That was not the first thing that came to my mind on the morning after that defeat., In the series, Jordan copped to making the Republicans buy sneakers too comment, but insists it was in jest. In 2012, Jordan hosted a fundraiser for Obama; Jordan also offered some fundraising support for Gantt in his 1996 rematch with Helms. From morning until night, I was traveling all over this state, making speeches and doing a whole lot of stuff and trying to become a credible candidate, Gantt says. In 2009, the former Afro-American Cultural Center opened its doors to a new, award-winning facility and was renamed the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in honor of Harvey B. Gantt, an American trailblazer. Courtesy AIA. You had to want to be in this campaign. In 1990, Gantt ran for a Senate seat in North Carolina as a Democrat against the incumbent, Republican Jesse Helms. "They surrounded me with love and affection.. He supported the rights of NFL players to kneel during the national anthem and backed James after President Donald Trump questioned Jamess intelligence. I was more interested in what the social environment would be like and whether I was prepared for the loneliness of being the only one.. He has served on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Council, the Democratic National Committee, and the National Capital Planning Commission. ', Even Gantt himself sympathizes with Jordan. Clemson University, 1960-1963, in Skip Eisiminger, ed., Integration Glenn: Now, you yourself, when you ran for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. Jesse Helms, you had a really tough campaign, and there were lots of charges of racism. In the spot, the hands of a white man crumples up a letter. Sonja Gantt, a key personality in WCNCs (Channel 36) news department for nearly 20 years, will leave the anchor desk in January for a new philanthropic role. The Harvey B. Gantt Center is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors. Harvey Bernard Gantt (born January 14, 1943) . Gantt currently manages a successful architectural firm and remains active in politics. Item Details Title Harvey Gantt holding his daughter Sonya, circa 1969 Collections Documenting the African American Experience at Clemson Harvey Gantt and the Integration of Clemson University Dates Date Created Circa 1969 Descriptive Information Left to right: Harry Jones, Gladys Gant, Anna Lou Reid, Harvey Gantt holding daughter Sonya. Harvey M.L. I am forever grateful to them for being the driving force and motivation in my life. Harvey Gantt was the first African American student to enroll at Clemson, entering the University in January 1963. She returned to Charlotte in 1997 as an anchor at WCNC. with Dignity (Clemson: Clemson University Digital Press, 2003); "I wasnt fearing the academics. Jaxson Franklin, a Stokesdale Elementary School student, was critically injured March 30 when he was hit on NC 65. Harvey Gantt graduated with honors from Clemson in 1965, earning a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and later a Master of City Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Sean Mulhall. It's growing very well. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Police release ID of Greensboro resident killed in fatal crash Tuesday, Jonathan Brown won't race in Modified Division this year at Bowman Gray Stadium, Troopers: Man now faces felony after failing to stop for school bus, striking 6-year-old boy. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are searching for two gunmen who attacked a local television news anchorwoman and her husband. Magazines, Digital And I would feel terrible if he felt obligated to have done something that he didnt want to do. In September 1963, Lucinda Brawley became the first African-American woman to be admitted to Clemson and in October 1964 married Harvey. A pioneer in blending urban planning with the practice of architecture, Gantt Huberman employed a diverse group of professionals who were charged with designing buildings that encourage community. And since that time, Ive thought it was much ado about nothing., Jordan, Gantt notes, was a 27-year-old superstar still on the rise: his Bulls hadnt beaten the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals yet. [6] With one and a half weeks to go, Gantt was ahead in the polls, but Helms aired a number of television commercials emphasizing Gantt's color. Clemson University Gantt unsuccessfully ran two U.S. Senatorial campaigns against Republican Senator Jesse Helms in 1990 and 1996. During the 1970s, Gantt worked at various architectural firms in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he settled after receiving his degree from MIT. "One day being on the other side of the serving line.. Harvey Gantt, a member of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity, lives with his wife Cindy in Charlotte. ; Peter Harvey Gantt was the first black mayor of Charlotte. I dont know if thats good or bad., As further evidence that Gantt bears no ill will towards Jordan: hes helping to line Jordans pockets. Upon Harveys graduation in 1965, he and Lucinda moved to Charlotte, N.C., where Lucinda completed her course work in applied mathematics and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC-Charlotte. Not just teachers, but an entire community rallied behind the youth, molding bright minds. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. He said activism is just not in his nature. Harvey B. Gantt, architect and politician, was born January 14, 1943 in Charleston, South Carolina to Christopher and Wilhelmenia Gantt. The two institutions compete against each other in many sports, but the annual football game receives the most attention. Brooklyn residents often referred to the old Myers School as the "Jacob's Ladder School." Did he turn you down? And I suppose he wasnt as reflective on the implications of what people were asking him to do. While Gantt would have welcomed Jordans support, he holds no grudges. November 7, 1990. Ultimately, Michael Jordan may be forgotten, McCall said. Inspired by his father, a longtime National Association for the . Harvey Gantt becomes Clemson University's first African-American student in 1963. Glenn: And with what's going on with President Trump's supporters calling for armed protests at state capitals around the nation on this Dr. King holiday, what are you thinking about? UPDATE: Brother told investigators child got in trouble for messing with fish tank. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from us. The ruling was regarding a 20 year-old Harvey Gantt, who despite excellent academics had been repeatedly barred from entering the university's . [3] While significant, Gantts impact on the city extends beyond improving the built environment. I envisioned walking into the building with my grandchildren and had thoughts of others doing the same with future generations. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. And in the crowd, there I was with my attorney, Matthew Perry, and we just got a chance to shake his hand in a long line of people who were in awe of this young man and what he was doing. I actually find it hard to believe that we find ourselves in this place, in this country, in the days before we inaugurate the 46th president of this country, Joe Biden, to suggest that there may be violence in 50 state capitals and the capital of the United States. My wife and my grandson were in the car with me. Throughout his career, Harveys ties with academia have remained strong. May this edifice always stand as a symbol that this community and nation are places where we all "belong". He was still trying to figure out, How am I managing this image that has been created around me,' said Obama. Clemson's main rivals within the Atlantic Coast . Gantt says the people he met on campus inspired him and made life a lot easier. We had folks from all over the country. Was that selfish? In this week's Wisdom Watch, Gantt, who is also a renowned architect,. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Is that really fair?, That election, Gantt says, certainly had racial overtones. Lucinda entered in the fall semester of that same year, making her Clemson's second African American student to enroll. And we were all outraged. She is committed to continuing to have a role in helping our community and we are thrilled she will remain with NBC Charlotte to assist on special projects.. Back in 1990, Harvey Gantt, a black Democrat and former mayor of Charlotte, was . Gantt was born on Yonges Island near Charleston, the first of five children. His lone focus was his craft. While on the council, he encouraged black voting and reformed the process of electing city council members. You needed that job, and you were the best qualified, the narrator says. Gantt was elected Charlottes first African-American mayor in 1983. Gantt chats sunnily about his wife of 31 years, Cindy; their daughter who anchors the morning television news in Chicago, two other daughters in medical school and his son, nicknamed Adam. Back in 1990 Jordan, who grew up in North Carolina and starred for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, refused to publicly endorse Harvey Gantt, the African-American former Democratic mayor of Charlotte, in his racially contentious Senate race versus Republican Jesse Helms. In 1963 Harvey B. Gantt became the first African American student admitted to Clemson University. Gantt entered local politics, where he was elected to the city council, serving from 1974 to 1983. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Americans are reflecting on Kings legacy and the divisiveness of the country, especially given the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol more than a week ago. Gantt served on the council until 1983. He won the election with 52 percent of the overall vote and 36 percent of the white vote and then served a four-year term as mayor. Gantt Tries Again to Beat the Senates Last Reactionary, The Nation Clemson University Libraries. Because he always called for peaceful protest, and these are far from that. In addition to being Charlotte' first African American mayor, he was the first African American student to attend Clemson University. At 12, she was registering people to vote. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, in Charlotte, is named in his honor. CLEMSON, S.C. Clemson University in South Carolina is rich in history. In terms of coming together? A boost from Jordan, who at that time hadnt won an NBA title but was still one of the most famous, beloved people on the planet, could have only benefitted Gantt. That's why I agreed to the naming of the building, and that's why I want you to join me in celebrating our history and the dawning of a new day for all of us. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Sonja Gantt addressing Charlotte students on the value of reading in 2014. But they had to give it to a minority because of a racial quota. Gantt: Well, if you go back and try to dig deep about why this incident occurred on Capitol Hill, it really was built out of a standard feature of campaigns going all the way back to mine. I wasnt as much fearful about going to Clemson," Gantt said. Glenn has won awards for her reports from the Maryland-DC-Delaware Press Association, SNA and the first-place radio award from the National Association of Black Journalists. The episode, which aired Sunday evening, cut to an older clip of author Nathan McCallwho worked at the Washington Post from 1989-1998comparing Jordan unfavorably to Muhammad Ali, who gave up prime earning years to oppose the Vietnam War and Americas treatment of African-Americans. That reminded me of a movie of someone reaching, overcoming some enemy on the other side and they were going to take over. And I said, yeah they do. A retired architect, he still remains plugged-in to the Charlotte political scene. He has been a visiting lecturer at a number of prestigious institutions, including his alma mater, Clemson University, where he also received an honorary doctorate.Lucinda is a native of Hopkins, S.C. A lot of people have called me over the years and asked, did you go to Michael? But I do find that my conservative folks keep talking now about unity and peacefulness and that we can all get together on one page when in fact, for years they have actually built the attitude of this country to the point that it is today where we have this level of divisiveness. [7], Another advertisement, known as the White Hands ad, showed a close-up of the hands of a white person reading, then crumpling a letter, while a voice-over said "You needed that job, and you were the best qualified. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Who is Harvey Gantt daughter? In the spot, the hands of a white man crumples up a letter. We are forever grateful to them. Residents and visiting friends alike will have numerous opportunities to enjoy all aspects of Levine Center for the Arts. Jordans stance disappointed some of his admirers. Gantt has also received awards from the Charlotte branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Leadership Charlotte in 2006. In 1974, Gantts political career began with his appointment to the Charlotte City Council to fill the seat vacated by Fred Alexander, the councils only black member. It voted substantially for the Democratic ticket, and I expect that won't reverse itself in the next four years. Harvey Bernard Gantt (born January 14, 1943)[1] is an American architect and Democratic politician active in North Carolina. Your support helps the Gantt present exceptional exhibitions, leading scholars and engaging programs that celebrate the African-American story. Harvey B. Gantt Center on opening day Gantt was born in Charleston, South Carolina to Wilhelminia and Christopher C. Gantt, a shipyard worker. She will continue to anchor early evening newscasts through December and will remain with WCNC afterward in a part-time role, helping with special projects and outreach, the station said Monday. Ryan Newman in serious condition after violent crash on last lap of Daytona 500, Spring-like weather means early allergy season has sprung, Restrained in Class: Parents, experts alarmed by educators restraining children, Entire flight waits to exit plane so NC man can make his twins' father-daughter dance. A boost from Jordan, who at that time hadnt won an NBA title but was still one of the most famous, beloved people on the planet, could have only benefitted Gantt. Because in talking to them you could see that they had great aspirations for children yet unborn their own children," Gantt said. Harvey Bernard Gantt grew up in the 1940s and 50s in then-segregated Charleston, South Carolina. The fifth episode of The Last Dance, the popular ESPN docu-series examining the impact of Michael Jordan and the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls, touches on one of the more controversial aspects of Jordans legendary career: his lack of political engagement during his playing days. I dont think anyone who witnessed that campaign would have suggested otherwise.. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Clemson University, with honors, in 1965, and in 1970, he received a Master of City Planning degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the 1980s, he opposed making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national holiday. And I would feel terrible if he felt obligated to have done something that he didnt want to do. WCNC-TV anchorwoman Sonja Gantt and her husband noticed a white pickup at the top of their driveway as they were pulling into their garage Saturday night, police said.Two men wearing ski masks and holding handguns approached, and one man ordered Gantt's husband to go into the house. in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I guess if youre building a brand thats what you do., Gantt was seeking to become the first African-American senator from North Carolina. As a young lawyer preparing for public life in Chicago, he said he would have liked to see Jordan back Gantt. And then, How do I live up to it? Daughter of former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt, she attended East Mecklenburg High School and got a journalism degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Gantt was born in Charleston on January 14, 1943, the first of five children born to Christopher C. Gantt and Wilhelmenia Gordon. Harvey Gantt believes that abortin should remain legal. He joined Charlotte City Council in 1974 and again broke barriers when he was elected Charlottes first African-American mayor in 1983. He said being a pioneer wasn't difficult because he had friends on campus, both black and. Back in 1990 Jordan, who grew up in North Carolina and starred for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, refused to publicly endorse Harvey Gantt, the African-American former Democratic mayor of Charlotte, in his racially contentious Senate race versus Republican Jesse Helms. There is something about the spirit of this place that even if youre a newcomer you can come and try to do things," he said. Was that selfish? In The Last Dance, Jordan says his mother asked him to film a commercial for Gantt; he wrote a check to the campaign instead. In 1993, she moved to Chicago to report and anchor for WGN-TV, the Midwestern superstation. In 1963, Gantt became the first African-American student to attend the previously all-white institution. He supported the rights of NFL players to kneel during the national anthem and backed James after President Donald Trump questioned Jamess intelligence. A much bigger contributor to his loss, Gantt points out, was the infamous Hands ad that Helms campaign ran before the election. Research interests: urban design, planning, and policy; civil rights and politics. He went to the public schools of that city and graduated from Burke High School second in his class. Gibson, a junior center and a captain on N.C. State's football team, is the second oldest of Gantt's nine grandchildren. Thirty years later, Gantt tells TIME he doesnt begrudge Jordans decision not to publicly support himand isnt sure how much it would have mattered, anyway. Ultimately, Michael Jordan may be forgotten, McCall said. Daughter of former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt, she attended East Mecklenburg High School and got a journalism degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital (The Last Dances ratings would say otherwise). Problems of Coalition Maintenance in the New South, Southeastern Maybe were going to be linked together in history. And since that time, Ive thought it was much ado about nothing., Jordan, Gantt notes, was a 27-year-old superstar still on the rise: his Bulls hadnt beaten the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals yet. Officers say the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Harvey Gantt was mayor of Charlotte from 1983-1987. Gantt lost the election. Get the latest from the Gantt & subscribe to our mailing list. Do you find this information helpful? Gantt's husband threw the car into reverse and took off. Was that when you met Dr. King? He was elected to two terms as the first African-American mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina,[4] serving in that position from 1983 to 1987. In 1963, he was the first African American to be admitted to Clemson University in South Carolina. You can cancel at any time. And without the trails he blazed in the second half of the 20th century, this . He served on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Council, the Democratic National Committee, and was appointed as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission in Washington, DC. Harvey Gantt trusts the women of. RALEIGH, N.C. . The fifth episode of The Last Dance, the popular ESPN docu-series examining the impact of Michael Jordan and the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls, touches on one of the more controversial aspects of Jordans legendary career: his lack of political engagement during his playing days. We want our teachers to feel supported and not feel like what happens in their classrooms is limited by resources, Gantt said Monday. UNCG will suffer from state's new funding formula, say retired faculty members. Somebody told me he said something about Republicans buying Nike shoes, Gantt, now 77, says. Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, Assistance for Visitors with Disabilities, K-12 In School Programs & Enhanced Tour Offerings. Gantt continues to advocate for equity and equal rights and is often tapped to serve on civic, cultural, and business boards, and to lead philanthropic efforts and community initiatives. That was not the first thing that came to my mind on the morning after that defeat., In the series, Jordan copped to making the Republicans buy sneakers too comment, but insists it was in jest. If you appeal enough to the fears that people have about their future existence, you can actually dictate what might they need to do to overcome those fears. Other documents collected are correspondence to and from university lawyers, legislators, and members of the public. Even Jordan has stepped out of his former comfort zone a bit: in 2016, he released a statement against police brutality and announced two $1 million donations to organizations seek to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. I was struck by the descriptions that seem to suggest that the people doing this were well versed in military tactics to get in, and then to see them smashing the windows in the hallway it was all surprising. He has also received honorary degrees from Belmont Abbey College, Johnson C. Smith University, and Clemson University. [3] He received a degree in architecture with Honors from Clemson[4] and a Master's degree in City Planning from MIT.[5]. I only heard about this Michael Jordan saga secondhand. He graduated with a bachelors degree in architecture from Clemson with honors in 1965. A much bigger contributor to his loss, Gantt points out, was the infamous Hands ad that Helms campaign ran before the election. GUNMEN SOUGHT IN ATTACK ON HARVEY GANTT'S DAUGHTER. And the blame is, for me, four years of a president who I feel rightly was impeached because he did incite that riot, baiting the crowd, projecting misinformation all over the place. Gantt has a signed . Helms career was marked by repeated charges that he was racist. [4], In 2009, the Afro-American Cultural Center and the City of Charlotte honored Gantt by building the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, recognizing his contributions to the civil rights movement and as the city's first black mayor. 2023 Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. I hope that those who have already "crossed over" can smile and feel proud knowing that we have not forgotten their sacrifices; how they nurtured, pushed and prodded young minds to strive for excellence. Please reload the page and try again. He was trying to build a brand, says Gantt. Lucinda was business manager of East Towne Manor, an assisted-living facility in Charlotte, until her retirement. In January 1963, after a legal battle that escalated to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, Gantt became the first African-American student accepted at Clemson University. He thinks its impossible to know whether Jordan, who as a freshman at UNC hit the game-winning shot to give legendary coach Dean Smith his first national title, could have tipped the race in his favor. WFAE "All Things Considered" host Gwendolyn Glenn talked with Gantt about past challenges he endured and the challenges the nation faces today, as armed protests are threatened during President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. And I remembered my parents and others who served as inspirations to me. After much processing and discussion with my wife, Cindy, the prevailing factor that led me to say "yes" was that it was for the sake of posterity. Is that really fair?, That election, Gantt says, certainly had racial overtones. Being a man of tradition, I always felt it was more appropriate to name a building or street for someone after their passing, as a way to honor their work. Gantt lost the election. That, he says with a laugh, ought to tell you something., A Towering, Terrifying Demon Horse Isnt Even the Weirdest Part, Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Gwyneth Paltrow won't recoup attorney fees in ski crash suit, 'Zombie' misinformation: 'Rape Day' hoax resurfaces on TikTok, 'Very homophobic': Teachers' union leader Randi Weingarten says House hearing crossed the line, LE SSERAFIM releases first studio album Unforgiven', Pour Salt Down Your Drain At Night, Here's Why, Cooler weather has arrived and looks to stay for the week ahead, Pine-Richland High School Band 2023 Pegasus Parade, Video: Widespread rain tapers to showers Monday (5-1-23). A retired architect, he still remains plugged-in to the Charlotte political scene. I dont think anyone who witnessed that campaign would have suggested otherwise.. Harvey Gantt graduated with honors from Clemson in 1965, earning a Bachelors degree in Architecture and later a Master of City Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At QCity Metro, our mission is to provide news, information and commentary from a Black perspective. In the days leading up to my going to Clemson, I went to Charlotte and listened to a speech I think he made at Johnson C. Smith's campus. We didnt spend a lot of time brooding about it, Gantt said in an interview on Friday. 20072023 Blackpast.org. AP Photo/Chuck Burton. The internal documents detail university officials filing away or attempting to block admissions applications by Harvey and other Black students. This collection contains photographs of Harvey and Lucinda, who is the first African American woman to attend Clemson, as well as official university documents related to Harvey's integration fight. Even Jordan has stepped out of his former comfort zone a bit: in 2016, he released a statement against police brutality and announced two $1 million donations to organizations seek to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The family moved to the city, where his father worked as a rigger mechanic at the navy yard during the war years. Gantt was born in Charleston, South Carolina to Wilhelminia and Christopher C. Gantt, a shipyard worker. He moved to Charlotte after graduating from MIT, and, in 1971, co-founded Gantt Huberman Architects. 90.7 Charlotte 93.7 Southern Pines Gantt graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in architecture. This collection contains photographs of Harvey and Lucinda, who is the first African American woman to attend Clemson, as well as official university documents related to Harvey's integration fight. They first reside in public housing, then in a home that Gantt's father built by hand, learning carpentry as he went. He was elected to two terms as the first black Mayor of Charlotte from 1983 to 1987. Harvey B. Gantt. ', Even Gantt himself sympathizes with Jordan. Sonja Gantt Harvey Gantt/Daughters. I saw them talking about the sacrifices of many who made Charlotte great, and the enormous history and accomplishments of the African American community. Gibson's mother, Sonja, is Gantt's oldest child. In 1963, he was the first African American to be admitted to Clemson University in South Carolina. Harvey Gantt is an architect, city planner, civil rights leader, and former mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. The city did not at that time have majority black population and currently does not have a majority black population. He thinks its impossible to know whether Jordan, who as a freshman at UNC hit the game-winning shot to give legendary coach Dean Smith his first national title, could have tipped the race in his favor. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. And I said, yeah they do. In this series, Gantt recalls his life experiences, ranging from his attendance at Clemson University to his inauguration as Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. We had folks from all over the country. Its skyward stairway was a visible reminder of the importance of aspiring to greater things and a good education. Harvey Gantt was the first African American student to enroll at Clemson, entering the University in January 1963. Helms career was marked by repeated charges that he was racist. And I suppose he wasnt as reflective on the implications of what people were asking him to do. While Gantt would have welcomed Jordans support, he holds no grudges. Harvey B. Gantt, architect and politician, was born January 14, 1943 in Charleston, South Carolina to Christopher and Wilhelmenia Gantt. [8] Gantt lost the election by 47% to 53%. In 1963, Gantt became the first African-American student to attend the previously all-white institution. It was there, and at the family dinner table with his four sisters, that he began to appreciate the importance of advocacy and the injustice of racial discrimination.