Roger Wilkins (public servant)

Roger Wilkins (1932-2017) was an American civil rights leader, journalist, professor, and public servant. He is best known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement and his Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the Watergate scandal.

Wilkins was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan and Yale Law School. Early in his career, he worked for various government agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Justice, under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He served as Assistant Attorney General under President Johnson, becoming one of the highest-ranking African Americans in the executive branch at the time.

Following his government service, Wilkins transitioned to journalism. He joined The Washington Post in 1972 as an editorial writer and columnist. His insightful commentary on social and political issues, particularly his coverage of the Watergate scandal, earned him a Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing in 1973.

Later in his career, Wilkins became a professor of history and American studies at George Mason University and later at the University of Maryland. He also held visiting professorships at other institutions. He authored several books, including his autobiography, A Man's Life, which chronicled his experiences with race, politics, and personal growth.

Wilkins was a powerful voice for social justice and equality throughout his life. He remained a vocal advocate for civil rights and continued to speak out against racial inequality until his death in 2017. His contributions to American society as a public servant, journalist, and educator left a lasting impact.