“Father of Black Psychology”: Dr. Charles W. Thomas II
“If there is going to be racial justice, there has to be social action.” – Dr. Charles W. Thomas II, Eugene Register- Guard, 1964
Keeping with our Black History Month series that highlights the work of historian Herman L. Brame, we present psychologist Dr. Charles W. Thomas II, who was part of the first group of African American professors to teach at the University of Oregon, which began the integration of the faculty in the early 1960s. Although the campus and Eugene community did not possess a diverse population, he joined the UO faculty because the campus was pleasant and intellectually stimulating in regards to debates addressing the Vietnam War and civil rights. Dr. Charles W. Thomas II was an active member for racial equality on the UO campus, Eugene community, and wherever he went. Continue reading