Roy Innis biography

Synopsis

Roy Innis is an American Civil Rights Activist born on June 6, 1934, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. In 1946, he immigrated to Harlem in New York City. Innis actively participated in the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), becoming its National Chairman in 1968. He supported black separatism, economic competition with Whites and community school boards. Innis unsuccessfully ran twice for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1980s. During this time he also made controversial appearances on Geraldo Rivera and Morton Downey Jr. talk shows which led to on-air scuffles. In 1993, Innis made a failed mayoral run in New York. He continues to champion civil rights for African-Americans today.

Early Life

Civil rights activist Roy emile Alfredo Innis was born on June 6, 1934, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Emigrating to Harlem, New York City in 1946, he dropped out of high school to join the army, then worked for a New York City research laboratory 1963-'67.

CORE

Innis joined the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1963 and advocated black separatism and community school boards. He became CORE's national president in 1968. Promoting community development corporations, he founded several black business groups and was co-editor of the Manhattan Tribune.