Who Is Stokely Carmichael? Age, Biography and Wiki
Stokely Carmichael, born on June 29, 1941, was a significant figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. As of 2025, he would have been 84 years old. Carmichael was known for coining the term "Black Power" and played a crucial role in advocating for civil rights, social justice, and political empowerment for African Americans. After leaving the United States in the late 1960s, he lived in Guinea until his passing in 1998, leaving behind a powerful legacy that continues to influence contemporary social movements.
| Occupation | Civil Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1941 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Date of death | 15 November, 1998 |
| Died Place | Conakry, Guinea |
Popularity
Stokely Carmichael's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Stokely Carmichael's physical statistics aren’t widely documented, he was often described as an imposing figure. Reports describe him as approximately 6 feet tall. His weight fluctuated throughout his life due to various health challenges related to stress and activism, but exact figures regarding his weight are not consistently recorded.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Stokely Carmichael's personal life was often kept private. He had significant relationships, including a notable romance with fellow activist, H. Rap Brown (Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin), and later with Miriam Makeba, a renowned South African singer, who became his wife. Stokely and Miriam were reportedly a powerful duo, often appearing together at various events. Stokely’s legacy is intertwined with his relationships, both personal and professional, as they influenced his activism and public perception.
He attended Tranquility Government School there before moving to Harlem, New York City, in 1952 at the age of 11, to rejoin his parents. They had migrated to the United States when he was two, and he was raised by his grandmother and two aunts. He had three sisters.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures regarding Stokely Carmichael's net worth are difficult to access, it is generally believed that as a civil rights activist, his earnings from activism, speeches, and writings were modest compared to mainstream celebrities. In contemporary discussions, his wealth is seen more in terms of the richness of his contributions to civil rights rather than financial metrics. His assets were largely amassed through his writings and lectures on activism, social change, and Black empowerment.
Career, Business and Investments
Carmichael's career was dedicated to activism and social change. He began his political journey at Howard University, where he connected with the Civil Rights Movement. He worked with organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later became the Honorary Prime Minister of the Black Panther Party. His influence spread internationally as he advocated for decolonization and social justice in Africa. Despite not having a traditional business career, his contributions to literature and public speaking have created lasting investments in the fight against racial injustice.
"Tom Kahn—very shrewdly—had captured the position of Treasurer of the Liberal Arts Student Council and the infinitely charismatic and popular Carmichael as floor whip was good at lining up the votes. Before they knew what hit them the Student Council had become a patron of the arts, having voted to buy out the remaining performances.
It was a classic win/win. Members of the Council got patronage packets of tickets for distribution to friends and constituents."
Social Network
Stokely Carmichael was widely respected in both American and international circles for his activism. He maintained relationships with various civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, contributing to a robust network of advocates for change. His presence in activist circles ensured a strong legacy within social movements, even influencing contemporary figures in the fight for equality.
Carmichael was one of the original SNCC freedom riders of 1961 under Diane Nash's leadership. He became a major voting rights activist in Mississippi and Alabama after being mentored by Ella Baker and Bob Moses.
Like most young people in the SNCC, he became disillusioned with the two-party system after the 1964 Democratic National Convention failed to recognize the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party as official delegates from the state.
Carmichael eventually decided to develop independent all-black political organizations, such as the Lowndes County Freedom Organization and, for a time, the national Black Panther Party. Inspired by Malcolm X's example, he articulated a philosophy of black power, and popularized it both by provocative speeches and more sober writings.
The author Richard Wright is credited with coining the phrase in his 1954 book Black Power.
Education
Carmichael was an educated man, earning a degree in sociology from Howard University. His education was integral to his understanding of social structures and issues impacting African Americans. The knowledge gained during his academic years shaped his approach to activism and community organizing, enabling him to communicate effectively and mobilize support for his causes.
Kwame Ture (born Stokely Standiford Churchill Carmichael; June 29, 1941 – November 15, 1998) was an American activist who played a major role in the civil rights movement in the United States and the global pan-African movement.
Born in Trinidad in the Caribbean, he grew up in the United States from the age of 11 and became an activist while attending the Bronx High School of Science.
He was a key leader in the development of the Black Power movement, first while leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), then as the "Honorary Prime Minister" of the Black Panther Party, and last as a leader of the All-African People's Revolutionary Party (A-APRP).
