BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY : ALAIN LOCKE AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATOR : GOES INTO THE " HALL OF BLACK GENIUS "

Alain Locke the distinguished African American Intellectual of his generation was leading promoter and interpreter and cultural contribution of African American to American life. As a Professor of Philosophy his theory of " Cultural Pluralism "  valued the uniqueness of different styles and values available within a Democratic Society. Alain Le

Roy Locke was born on September 13th 1886 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania into a well known family. Alain father Pliny Locke had obtained a degree in Law from Howard University and then became a mail clerk in Philadelphia, Mary Hawkins, Alain mother was a teacher. Pliny Locke and Mary Hawkins were engaged for sixteen years, not marring until they were middle aged. Alain their only child was brought up in a cultured home environment. 

When Alain was just six years old his father died and his mother supported her son through her teaching. Alain attended the Ethical Culture School which was a school with modern ideas about Education, Teaching Moral Principles and Human Values.  Young Alain became ill with Rheumatic Fever early in his childhood. The disease permanently damaged his heart and restricted his physical activities.  He dealt with his weak physical condition by spending time reading books and learning to play the piano and violin. Locke attended Central High School, graduating second in the class of 1902. Then studied at the Philadelphia School Of Pedagogy were he was first in his class. He attended Howard University graduating second in his class of 1907.