William Pickens

author

William Pickens

1881–1954

A powerful speaker and writer, he used his voice to challenge racism and open doors for Black Americans in education, public life, and civil rights. His life and work connected the worlds of teaching, journalism, and activism.

1 Audiobook

Papers of the American Negro Academy. (The American Negro Academy. Occasional Papers, No. 18-19.)

Papers of the American Negro Academy. (The American Negro Academy. Occasional Papers, No. 18-19.)

by John Wesley Cromwell, Archibald Henry Grimké, Lafayette M. Hershaw, William Pickens, Arthur Alfonso Schomburg, T. G. (Theophilus Gould) Steward

About the author

Born on January 15, 1881, in South Carolina, William Pickens became known as an American orator, educator, journalist, and essayist. He studied at Talladega College and later graduated from Yale, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, an achievement that brought him early national attention.

Pickens taught at several schools and colleges before becoming a leading figure in the NAACP. He traveled widely as a lecturer and organizer, writing and speaking with energy and clarity about racial justice, citizenship, and equal opportunity. During his career he also worked in public service and journalism, helping bring civil rights issues to broader audiences.

He wrote two autobiographical books, The Heir of Slaves and Bursting Bonds, which remain important windows into his life and times. Pickens died on April 6, 1954, but he is still remembered for pairing sharp intellect with a gift for reaching ordinary readers and listeners.