On May 5th, 1865, one of the most influential African-Americans was born. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. was born in Franklin County, Virginia, named after another great American, Benjamin Franklin. Powell, with his mixed heritage, perfectly represented America as his mother was a slave and of mixed Native American and African decent while his father was a Caucasian slave owner.
Powell’s youth was troubled as he grew up in a time of extreme prejudice against African-American’s. I imagine that as he was mixed, he may have experienced prejudice from not only Caucasions, but his African-American brethren as well during his youth. According to Powell, he was “a bum, a drunkard, a gambler, and a juvenile delinquent.” Like many stories of other persons of great historical figures, it took a big fall, a slap in the face in the form of a costly gambling loss that began to lead him down the road he was meant for. It was the faith teachings of his stepfather, who raised him and had been a slave that stirred something within him while walking by a revival after his gambling losses. From that point on, Powell was a changed man determined to make positive change for his fellow brethren
It was 1885 when Powell began his road towards leading the church when he converted and began his studies. By the time Powell graduated from his base studies in 1892, he was versed in law, politics, and theology. Shortly after, he began leading several churches.
Over time Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. became known as a passionate preacher with the ability to draw and hold crowds do to his presence and messages. As his wealth and reputation increased, he became more influential in the African-American community and eventually bought a land in Harlem that would hold the church that cemented his reputation as a cultural leader.
The Abyssinian Baptist Church had been around for a century but experienced a major rebirth under Powell. Powell used his influence from the pulpit to speak out against racism and for equal rights. He birthed many establishments for the Harlem community and had a son, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. who further led the African-American community.
What defines a successful life that one could look back on and feel proud? If it is a life that changed the welfare of others for the better and brought about a strong family line, then surely Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. had a successful life. Today, Powell, Sr. is buried in Flushing cemetery but his legacy lives on.
REFERENCES:
Franklin Co, VA Genealogy
http://www.rootsweb.com/~vafrankl/franklin.htm
Judith Newman, Glory Days: Adam Clayton Powell, Sr.
http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4790
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Adam Clayton Powell, Sr.
http://www.si.umich.edu/CHICO/Harlem/text/acpowell.html
Find a Grave, Dr Adam Clayton Powell, Sr
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=5122
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4 comments:
A friend of mine admires him very much.He often mentioned his legacy to me on interracialmatch.com
Hi, I did the Silent protest of 1917, and through my research I found out that Adam Clayton Powell was one of the organizers.I enjoyed your Post.
Margaret,
Dear David,
I see that we both liked the same person: Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. One thing I noticed on you research was the veracity and the details. there were things I didnt even see when I was doing my research and that you clearly specified on yours. You mentioned some of his youth's background. I agree with on that Powell received prejudice from both parts, caucasian and african-americans, which could have him really harsh on him. I dont recall reading this information on the websites I visited. I think (maybe) the prejudiced he took from them was the reason why he opted to follow religion instead of alcohol or drugs. I think you really got into the research, and managed to have a very informative one.
Good Research!
Hi Dave
After reading your final paragraph where you said "What defines a successful life that one could look back on and feel proud? If it is a life that changed the welfare of others for the better and brought about a strong family line, then surely Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. had a successful life", I was reminded what a friend once told me. He said you know I am very wealthy and influential. I am privy to information that would allow me make great sums of money. I know where roads will be built and with that information I can make huge amounts of money, I know what important companies are planning and with that information I can earn large sums of money; I have access to the highest levels in government and with that access I can earn enormous sums of money. However by investing my money in to my factories, I’m able to do good for many not just one. I am able to provide employment to many who in turn are able to provide for their families and at the same time make money. Your final paragraph echoed that sentiment.
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