avatarEP McKnight, MEd

Summary

Elijah Walter Miles was a distinguished scholar, activist, and professor at San Diego State University, known for his pioneering role in Black political science, his activism for social justice, and his significant contributions to academia and civil rights.

Abstract

Elijah Walter Miles, known as the "Godfather of Black Faculty," was a prominent figure at San Diego State University, where he spent over three decades shaping the field of political science and advocating for social justice. Born on May 4, 1934, in Hearne, Texas, Miles was raised in an education-focused family and went on to earn advanced degrees from Indiana University. His career was marked by his efforts to desegregate businesses, push for equitable housing, and challenge university hiring policies. As a professor, he led the political science department, authored influential works, and served on editorial boards. His legacy extends beyond academia, as he was also involved with organizations like the Urban League, ACLU, and the American Political Science Association, where he championed diversity and inclusion. Miles passed away on July 8, 2020, leaving behind a storied legacy of activism and scholarship.

Opinions

  • Mr. Miles was highly regarded for his crusade for social justice and his role as a pioneer in Black political science.
  • His prior activism, including desegregating restaurants and boycotting discriminatory businesses, was seen as integral to his identity as an activist.
  • His academic contributions, such as coauthoring "Vital Issues of the Constitution" and contributing to "Great Cases of the Supreme Court," were considered significant.
  • The impact of his work was recognized through various roles, including leadership in the Urban League and ACLU, as well as a distinguished teaching award.
  • Mr. Miles' main purpose was to leave a legacy that would make it easier for others to follow in his footsteps, emphasizing the importance of building upon existing foundations rather than starting anew.

Elijah Walter Miles, Scholar and Activist, 1934–2020

The Godfather of Black Faculty, and a master at making things happen at San Diego State University

Photo from Internet

Mr. Miles was a scholar, activist and professor who crusaded for social justice and was a pioneer in Black political science at San Diego state beginning in the 1960’s who was the only Black professor presently on campus. His prior activism included desegregating restaurants in Indiana, boycotting business that discriminated in Texas, and pushed for equitable housing in North Carolina. He was over the map as an activist would be.

He spent more than thirty year at the university, including the head of political science department for a term, started the public law classes, coauthored “Vital Issues of the Constitution”, contributor to “Great Cases of the Supreme Court” summarizing landmark decisions involving slavery the right to vote and freedom of expression, member of the editorial boards of several academic journals, worked with American Political Science Association committee for diversity inclusion, led the San Diego chapters of the Urban League, ACLU’s National Board, and awarded a distinguished teaching award.

Photo by Megan Ellis on Unsplash

Elijah Walter Miles was born May 4, 1934 in Hearne, Texas and was one of eight children. His parents, Millie and John miles ran a tailor shop and believed in education as all their children went to college.

Mr. Miles attended Prairie View A&M in Texas, followed by stint in the Army in Korea, returned to Indiana University where he earned his master’s and doctorate in government. As a researcher, he worked at Indiana, Prairie View A&M and the University of North Carolina for several years while being actively involved in anti-discrimination protests locally. Also, was instrumental in challenging the university hiring and promoting policy pertaining to African American.

In conclusion, Mr. Miles transitioned on July 8, 2020 in San Diego, he was an activist, historian, and trailblazer whose main purpose as he stated, was to leave a legacy making it easier for others to follow his path and have it better life as a result of his efforts. Why reinvent the wheel when it’s been provided for you, take it and roll with it, to show another the way.

For additional reads:

Civil Rights
Racism
Education
BlackLivesMatter
Human Rights
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