Weatherford, Willis D. (Willis Duke), 1875-1970
Dates
- Existence: 1875 - 1970
Biographical Note
In the first decades of the 1900s, publicly addressing the social and economic problems faced by blacks in the South was uncommon. But Willis Weatherford argued that the ethics of Christianity obligated Southerners to improve race relations.
He developed strategies to educate whites and promote economic support for blacks. His determination to work for social change stemmed from his early experiences as a YMCA student secretary. Weatherford founded and served as president of the Southern YMCA College in Nashville (Tenn.). He also founded the Blue Ridge Assembly in North Carolina as a Southern YMCA training center.
His work related to race relations included the publication of five books that drew national recognition. His book, "Race Relations," was used as a common text book in college courses following its publication in 1934. He also organized numerous conferences and meetings to bring blacks and whites together to discuss integration during a time of legally mandated segregation.
Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:
YMCA Hall of Fame – 1993 – Inductee (historical) – Weatherford, Willis D. – Nomination and Biographical Information, 2004
This folder contains a complete copy of the thesis written by Sara Trowbridge Combs (2004) titled, "Race Reform in the Early Twentieth Century South: The life and Work of Willis Duke Weatherford."