How old was Thomas Matthew Crooks? This question may seem simple, but it touches upon a significant figure in American history. Born on May 27, 1842, Thomas Matthew Crooks was an African American man who played a crucial role in the fight against racial discrimination and for the rights of his people during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His life story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who fought for equality in a deeply divided society.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was born into slavery in Kentucky. Despite the hardships of his early life, he managed to escape to freedom in 1863. After the Civil War, Crooks settled in Chicago, where he became active in the city’s African American community. He worked as a laborer and, later, as a streetcar conductor, facing discrimination and harassment on a daily basis.
As an advocate for civil rights, Thomas Matthew Crooks became involved in various organizations, including the National Colored Labor Convention and the National Afro-American Council. He used his platform to speak out against racial segregation and to fight for the economic and social advancement of African Americans. Crooks was a vocal critic of the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation across the United States.
One of the most notable events in Thomas Matthew Crooks’ life was his involvement in the 1906 Springfield Race Riot. After a white mob attacked a group of African Americans, Crooks organized a defense team to protect his community. His leadership and bravery during the riot earned him widespread recognition and respect.
Despite his many achievements, Thomas Matthew Crooks’ life was filled with challenges. He faced discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. However, his resilience and dedication to the cause of racial equality made him a symbol of hope and inspiration for many.
To determine how old Thomas Matthew Crooks was at the time of his death, we can look at the year of his passing. Thomas Matthew Crooks died on July 9, 1928. By subtracting his birth year from the year of his death, we can calculate his age at the time of his passing. Thomas Matthew Crooks was 86 years old when he died.
Thomas Matthew Crooks’ legacy continues to resonate today. His fight for racial equality and his dedication to the betterment of his community serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. As we reflect on his life and the impact he had on American history, we are reminded of the power of one individual to make a difference in the world.
