Albert Einstein Was a Civil Rights Activist Who Paid Tuition for Black Students
Einstein actively fought against racism in America, calling it 'a disease of white people,' and personally paid college tuition for Black students in need.
About this fact
Beyond his scientific achievements, Einstein was a passionate civil rights activist. After moving to America in 1933, he was shocked by the segregation and racism he encountered. He called racism 'a disease of white people' and refused to speak at segregated venues. Einstein formed friendships with prominent Black intellectuals like W.E.B. Du Bois and Paul Robeson. He secretly funded the education of several Black students at Lincoln University, a historically Black college in Pennsylvania. When Marian Anderson was denied accommodation at Princeton's Nassau Inn due to her race, Einstein invited her to stay at his home, beginning a lifelong friendship. He also served on the board of trustees of Lincoln University and spoke out against lynching and discrimination.