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Cecil B. Moore Biography

Cecil B. Moore Biography

Civil rights activist Cecil B. Moore’s work with the NAACP and other actions helped make Philadelphia a more equitable place to live for its Black residents.

Who Was Cecil B. Moore?

Cecil B. Moore was a protection legal professional and civil rights activist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through pickets and different protests, he helped to combine development websites, put up workplace jobs and colleges. He headed the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP from 1963 to ’67, although his tenure was marked by battle with those that disagreed along with his daring method. The outspoken Moore was typically at odds with anybody he believed to be too reasonable and accepting of incremental progress, making him a controversial determine in civil rights.

Early Life

Cecil Bassett Moore was born in Dryfork Hollow, West Virginia, on April 2, 1915, to a physician father and instructor mom. Growing up in West Virginia, Moore’s household was focused by the Ku Klux Klan at one level as a result of they thought his father, a light-skinned Black man, was truly a white man residing with a Black lady.

Moore graduated from Bluefield State College, a traditionally Black faculty, although he took courses at a number of different colleges. He labored as a touring insurance coverage salesman earlier than signing up for the Marine Corps.

Military Service

In 1942, Moore joined the Marine Corps, the place he was recognized for his willingness to talk out in opposition to discrimination. During World War II, Moore fought within the Pacific theater. In 1947, he was transferred to Fort Mifflin, close to Philadelphia.

In 1949, whereas nonetheless within the Marines, Moore started attending night time courses at Temple Law School. He additionally labored as a liquor wholesaler to pay for his courses.

Though President Harry Truman had ordered integration throughout the armed companies, Moore nonetheless encountered discriminatory remedy. He opted to depart the service and in 1951 acquired an honorable discharge on the rank of sergeant.

Moore’s army experiences contributed to his want for equal rights. He as soon as mentioned, “After nine years in the Marine Corps, I don’t intend to take another order from any son of a bitch that walks.”

After graduating in 1953, Moore grew to become an in-demand protection legal professional. He typically represented poor shoppers free of charge or for lowered charges.

Civil Rights Activism

Moore was a pushed civil rights activist in Philadelphia. He held voter registration drives and inspired Black folks to vote. He organized pickets to combine development websites. He additionally held protests at workplaces — akin to Greyhound and the U.S. Postal Service — that exhibited bias towards Black staff.

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