Haughton, James, 1929-

James Haughton was a labor leader, social worker, and community activist who, in 1964, founded Fight Back (originally the Harlem Unemployment Center) after being frustrated by what he perceived as a lack of aggressiveness by established organizations in attacking racial barriers in employment, especially the trade unions and construction industry. He had worked as a community organizer for the Lower Eastside Neighborhood Organization and served as chairman of the Labor and Industry Committee of the New York Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In addition to his work at Fight Back, Haughton was also active in the tenants' rights, peace, and anti-apartheid movements including the National Citizens' Lobby, which lobbied Congress for job creation in building housing projects; the Vietnam Peace Parade Committee and other anti-war and anti-nuclear groups; the Puerto Rican Solidarity Committee; and the Committee for a Free South Africa. During the 1970s, he worked to establish a New York Working People's Party and the National Citizen's Party. He was also adjunct professor of Black and Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, a commentator for WNET Channel 13, a member of the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission, and a candidate for New York City Council in the 1973 Democratic Primary.

From the description of James Haughton papers, 1924-1984 (bulk 1959-1982) (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 436872248