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Carlos Thorton

Carlos Thorton: A Life of Activism and Social Justice

Early Life and Education

Carlos Thorton was born on January 19, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in a segregated society, where he witnessed firsthand the injustices faced by African Americans.

Thorton attended Miles College, where he studied sociology and political science. He graduated in 1958 and went on to earn a master's degree in social work from Atlanta University.

Civil Rights Activism

Thorton became involved in the civil rights movement in the early 1960s. He joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and participated in sit-ins, voter registration drives, and other nonviolent protests.

In 1963, Thorton was arrested and jailed for his participation in the Birmingham Children's Crusade. He was one of the youngest protesters to be arrested during the campaign.

Post-Civil Rights Era

After the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Thorton continued to work for social justice. He founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) office in Birmingham and served as its director for many years.

Thorton also worked with other organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), to address issues such as voting rights, education, and economic inequality.

Legacy

Carlos Thorton was a lifelong activist and advocate for social justice. He dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of all people, regardless of race, religion, or gender.

Thorton's work has had a lasting impact on the civil rights movement and American society as a whole. He is remembered as a courageous and compassionate leader who fought for a more just and equitable world.

Additional Resources

• SNCC Digital: Carlos Thorton
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Carlos Thorton
• ACLU: Carlos Thorton Remembered