Alvin Williams Stokes
Alvin Williams Stokes | |
---|---|
Born | December 4, 1904 |
Died | June 20, 1982 Westwood, New Jersey, USA | (aged 77)
Nationality | American |
Occupation | HUAC investigator |
Known for | Investigation into Paul Robeson and Communist Party USA and African Americans |
Alvin William Stokes (1904-1982) was a 20th-century African-American civil servant, best known as an investigator for the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).[1][2]
Background
Alvin W. Stokes was born on December 4, 1904, in New York City.[2]
Career
From 1935 to 1940, Stokes served chief administrative officer and secretary to three Bergen County sheriffs, as well as the first ever black member of the Bergen County Republican Committee.[1]
From 1945 to 1954, Stokes served as an investigator for the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).[1]
In 1949, Stokes led as first witness into HUAC hearings on "Communist Infiltration of Minority Groups."
In 1950, Stokes reported to fellow HUAC investigator Louis J. Russell on William Remington (accused by Elizabeth Bentley of Soviet espionage).[3]
Once, Stokes entered the dressing room of Lena Horne as part of HUAC investigations into Communist infiltration in Hollywood. Horne told him, how could a Negro work for such an organization as HUAC?[5]
In 1968, Stokes served as co-chair on an advisory committee to New Jersey Citizens for Richard M. Nixon during the 1968 United States presidential election.[1]
Personal life and death
Stokes married Rachel Stokes and had a son, Alvin Williams Stokes Jr.[1]
Stokes died age 78 on June 20, 1982, at his home in Westwood, New Jersey.[1]
See also
- Jacob Spolansky
- Louis J. Russell
- House Un-American Activities Committee
- Paul Robeson
- Communist Party USA and African Americans
References
- ^ a b c d e f United Press International (24 June 1982). "Alvin Williams Stokes". New York Times. p. D23. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Hearings Regarding Communist Infiltration of Minority Groups. US GPO. 1949. pp. 426–433, 426 (birth, investigation), 427 (NAACP, Urban League), 427-433(Robeson). Retrieved 5 June 2020.
- ^ ISBN 9780915220151. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
- ^ "(unclear)". Interracial Review. 29. Catholic International Council: 208. 1956. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
- ^
May, Gary (1994). Un-American Activities: The Trials of William Remingto. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199923335. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
External links
- 1952: Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States (pages 81, 84)