Roy Wilkins
(1901-1981)

Died aged c. 80

Roy Ottoway Wilkins (August 30, 1901 – September 8, 1981) was a prominent activist in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the 1930s to the 1970s. Wilkins' most notable role was his leadership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in which he held the title of Executive Secretary from 1955 to 1963 and Executive Director from 1964 to 1977. Wilkins was a central figure in many notable marches of the civil rights movement. He made valuable contributions in the world of African-American literature, and his voice was used to further the efforts in the fight for equality. Wilkins' pursuit of social justice also touched the lives of veterans and active service members, through his awards and recognition of exemplary military personnel.

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Commemorated on 1 plaque

Roy Wilkins 1901-1981 Civil rights leader and journalist Roy Wilkins lived here from 1952 to 1981. A chief advocate of the Constitutional process in the civil rights movement, he helped plan the 1963 March on Washington, and worked the passage of Voting Rights Act (1955), the Civil Rights Act (1964), and the Fair Housing Act (1968). His name was synonymous with the NAACP- he served the organization for 46 years as assistant secretary, editor of the Crisis magazine, and finally executive director.

147-15 Village Road, Parkway Village Queens, NY 11435, New York, NY, United States where they lived