Civil Rights & Social Justice Leaders

Rosa Parks, the iconic civil rights icon, who moved to the Hampton area and worked on campus as a hostess at The Holly Tree Inn after her arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat, her presence in the community provided a tangible link to the Civil Rights Movement and a constant reminder of […]

Mary S. Peake was a free Black woman who bravely taught enslaved children and later Contraband children under the Emancipation Oak, even before the formal establishment of Hampton Institute, her foundational efforts in education are the very roots of Hampton University, representing an enduring legacy of commitment to learning.

Kweisi Mfume is a United States Congressman and the former NAACP President and CEO, he is a prominent voice in civil rights and social justice. His leadership and advocacy provided students with a direct connection to ongoing struggles for equality and strategies for social change.

Audre Lorde, a prominent writer, feminist, and civil rights activist known for her powerful poetry and essays, her visits stimulated critical discussions on intersectionality, identity, and social justice, deeply influencing the intellectual climate of the campus.

Jesse Jackson is a renowned civil rights activist and minister, and a prominent figure in American politics, his powerful speeches on campus galvanized students and faculty, stirring a sense of civic duty and social justice.

Medgar Evers was a pivotal Civil Rights Movement leader, his life and work serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for civil rights, directly influencing the social justice consciousness of the Hampton community.

James A. Fields was born enslaved, he escaped during the Civil War, became a lawyer, and held public office. His remarkable journey from enslavement to a position of influence exemplifies the transformative power of education championed by Hampton University.

The Contrabands (Frank Baker, Shepard Mallory, James Townsend) were three enslaved men who sought asylum at Fort Monroe early in the Civil War, leading to the “contraband of war” designation, their courageous act directly led to the establishment of the school under the Emancipation Oak, making their legacy the very foundation of Hampton University.

Frederick Douglass was an iconic abolitionist, orator, and statesman, his visits to Hampton University (then Hampton Institute) were significant, as he was a powerful voice for civil rights and education, aligning with Hampton’s mission and inspiring generations of students to pursue freedom and knowledge.