James L. Farmer, Jr.

James L. Farmer, Jr. was born in 1920 in Marshall, Texas to James L. Farmer, Sr., a professor at Wiley College, a historically Black College. His father was an American author, theologian, educator, and the first African-American from Texas to earn a doctorate (at Boston University). James L. Farmer, Jr. was a Child prodigy: at the age of 14, he was attending Wiley College, where he was the captain of the debate team. His part in its winning performance was portrayed in the 2007 film, The Great Debaters, directed by and starring Denzel Washington.