James L. Farmer Sr.
James Leonard Farmer Sr. (June 12, 1886 – May 14, 1961), known as J. Leonard Farmer, was an American author, theologian, and educator. He was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South and an academic in early religious history as well as theology.
Early life and education
James Leonard Farmer was the son of farm workers and former slaves from Kingstree, South Carolina. His father was Carolina and his mother Lorena (Wilson) Farmer. After limited schooling in Georgia and Florida, Farmer gained a scholarship to Boston University. He earned his bachelor, masters of theology, and doctoral degrees at this institution.[1]
Career
Farmer had a dual career as a minister and an academic. He was ordained as a minister in the
Marriage and family
In 1917 Farmer married Pearl Marion. They had two children: Helen Louise and
Representation in popular culture
- Aspects of Farmer Sr.'s life are chronicled in the film The Great Debaters (2007), in which the minister is played by Forest Whitaker.
References
- ^ a b "James Farmer Sr. Born", African American Registry
External links
- "James L. Farmer" page, Center for East Texas Studies
- "James Farmer Sr. Born", African American Registry