Cecil B. Moore was born on April 2, 1915, in West Virginia. He attended school in Kentucky but then returned to West Virginia to complete high school. Moore served in the Marine Corps during WWII, where he continued to face discrimination, yet he never let it deter him.
Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, he moved to Philadelphia, where he attended law school at Temple University. Moore earned a reputation as a “no-nonsense” lawyer who fought hard for his clients, the majority of whom were poor African Americans in the North Philadelphia area. He was a fearless fighter for justice. In this time of turbulent waters, it is more important than ever that we remember our leaders and all that was sacrificed, so we can have the lives we live today. Our history is a precious commodity that we must bequeath to our generations yet unborn.
Moore pledged to himself that he would do what he could to reverse; the practice of discrimination and lead Blacks-especially Blacks who were poor to lift themselves and take control of their personal lives.
When Cecil Moore took office as president of the local branch of the NAACP in 1963, he did so with the determination that there would be no compromise with racism in the city in any fashion. He proclaimed that the U.S. Constitution guaranteed Blacks equal access to jobs in both the public and private sectors of the economy; he was determined that these jobs would be opened to Blacks on a non-discriminating basis by using “every weapon in the arsenal of democracy.”
Moreover, Moore proclaimed the political process that was responsible for the operations of the city government would be opened to Blacks, based on the philosophy of equal access to its decision-making, jobs, and power.
Of primary concern was how the criminal justice system failed the disadvantaged Blacks in the city. There were constant charges of police brutality, and as a practicing criminal attorney, he had a birds-eye view of how the court system failed to provide equal justice to many of the poor Blacks who got caught in the claws of the courts daily.
There is no doubt that Cecil Moore was responsible for reforming the criminal justice system in the city and making it possible for his hundreds of clients, many of whom he represented free of charge, to get a fair hearing in these courts.
Cecil Moore has been described as a militant protester. Although he was president of the Philadelphia Branch of the NAACP, he was often at odds with leaders that preferred to negotiate behind closed doors. Moore took his fight to the streets.
From discrimination on construction sites and in trade unions to educational institutions and in the courtroom, Moore used the picket line as the main weapon to force change in racist institutions and policies in Philadelphia.
One of his greatest accomplishments was leading the protest against Girard College, which led to the desegregation of the school. The protest lasted for (7) months and 17 days while the case made its way through the courts.
Karen Jordan was a teenager at the time. She met Cecil B. Moore during the protests, and he made a lasting impression on her life. She remembers that Moore “gave people a voice. He constantly reminded them of their constitutional right to equal treatment, and he faced discrimination head-on.” Almost everyone is aware of his role at Girard College. However, he was also instrumental in desegregating Trailways in Philadelphia and was a staunch advocate for getting a quality education.
Jordan says, “Moore was a force to be reckoned with and was one of the best lawyers in the country.” His allocution, coupled with his knowledge of the law, made him a formidable opponent. There was no back seat for Cecil B. Moore, and his role in uplifting the minority community of Philadelphia will never be forgotten.
To that end, Karen Jordan and the remaining “Freedom Fighters” who worked side-by-side with Cecil B. Moore are dedicated to keeping his life and works alive in the hearts and minds of Philadelphians and worldwide. He encouraged excellence, and they are proud to encourage that excellence in others.
Cecil Moore transitioned from this life on February 13, 1979, at the age of 63. He is “gone but not forgotten.” We need more elected officials today like Cecil B. Moore, who put the betterment of people before promoting self.
