Whitney M. Young Jr. (1921-1971) was a prominent American civil rights leader and social worker. Born in Kentucky, he rose to national prominence as the executive director of the National Urban League from 1961 until his death in 1971. Young focused on economic empowerment and integration for African Americans, advocating for greater job opportunities, education, and corporate inclusion. He worked closely with U.S. presidents, including Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, and played a key role in shaping the civil rights agenda of the 1960s. Tragically, he died at age 49 while swimming during a conference in Nigeria.