James L. Farmer Jr. was born on December 12, 1920, in Marshall, Texas. He was a child prodigy, showing exceptional intelligence at a young age. At the age of fourteen, he began attending Wiley College, a historically black college in his hometown. Farmer showed a keen interest in social justice and racial equality from a young age, setting the stage for his future activism.
After earning an additional degree from Howard University Divinity School, Farmer became a key figure in the American civil rights movement. He co-founded the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1942, an organization dedicated to nonviolent, direct action to combat racial discrimination.
Farmer is perhaps best known for his leadership in the Freedom Rides, a series of bus trips through the segregated Southern United States in 1961. The Freedom Riders, including Farmer, faced violent opposition but remained committed to their goal of desegregating public transportation.
In the mid-1980s, Farmer published a memoir titled "Lay Bare the Heart: An Autobiography of the Civil Rights Movement." In this book, he chronicled his experiences and reflections on the fight for racial equality in America.
Farmer was briefly married to Winnie Christie before marrying his second wife, Lula Peterson. Together, they had two daughters. Despite his commitment to activism, Farmer valued his family life and sought to create a better world for future generations.
James L. Farmer Jr.'s contributions to the civil rights movement are immeasurable. His leadership and dedication to the principles of nonviolent resistance continue to inspire activists around the world. Farmer's lifelong commitment to justice and equality serves as a lasting reminder of the power of grassroots activism.
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