Robert Moses

Children's Literature

Robert Moses is one of the many Civil Right leaders who worked behind the scenes. At one point in his career, he created an Algebra Project, recognizing that math was important to students going to college. Many schools did not allow African American students to take Algebra because it was felt that they were not smart enough. I can remember an incident in my own life when a friend of mine, who was senior vice president at Equitable Life Assurance Company, had to go to his son's high school to demand that his son be allowed to take Algebra. The teacher felt that his son, because he was African American, could not learn Algebra. Needless to say, after that visit he was allowed to take the class. As of 2004, there are Algebra Projects in twenty-eight schools districts across the United States, thanks to Mr. Moses. Teachers and volunteers help about 40,000 students learn math every year. There are many other gratifying aspects to Mr. Moses' life. He worked in the South to educate and register African Americans to vote, he trained students in non-violent protesting, and he helped establish the Freedom Party, to put forth the concerns of African Americans. Their presence at the national Democratic convention created public awareness which eventually lead to the passage of the Civil Right Act of 1964 and the Voting Right Act of 1965. Robert Moses is an extraordinary man. He has served his country well. 2004, Raintree, Ages 8 to 12.
—Leila Toledo