Tobias, Dr. Channing H., 1882-1961
Dates
- Existence: 1882 - 1961
Biographical Note
hanning Tobias worked to create strong YMCAs in African-American communities throughout his career. He served 12 years as national student secretary, and in 1923, was appointed the senior secretary of the "Colored Men’s Department" of the YMCA.
He traveled extensively in the U.S. working to provide better YMCA services for African-Americans. His work also brought him overseas as a member of the student deputation that visited European relief areas and as a delegate and speaker at the World YMCA Conference in Finland. He provided training in places such as Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Palestine, and the Congo. Tobias’ efforts also reached outside his YMCA work.
As a well-known champion for civil rights, he was an unofficial advisor for Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. He was successful in helping to change discriminating policies in the U.S. Government, including in the Military. His influence extended beyond America. On the eve of WWII, Mahatma Gandhi broke his custom of silence every Monday to talk with Tobias about race relations during a trip to India.