Ruthledge Henry Pearson

Born on September 9, 1929, in Jacksonville, Florida, Ruthledge Henry Pearson was a
teacher, athlete, and one of the most passionate civil rights activists of his time. A man
of deep conviction, Pearson believed that education and civil rights were inextricably
linked. As a high school teacher and coach in Jacksonville, he taught his students that
being informed and engaged citizens was as important as any lesson in the classroom.

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Pearson’s activism extended beyond the classroom as he became heavily involved in
the NAACP. Serving as the president of Jacksonville’s NAACP chapter, Pearson was on
the front lines of the fight for civil rights in Florida, organizing protests and sit-ins that
demanded an end to segregation. His leadership was instrumental in pushing for equal
rights in public spaces, schools, and the workplace.

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Pearson’s work didn’t come without risk. His activism made him a target for harassment,
but he remained undeterred. His unwavering commitment to justice made him a beacon
of hope in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and beyond. His tragic death in a car accident in
1967 cut his life short, but his legacy as an educator and civil rights leader lives on in
the countless students and activists he inspired.