Andrew Young is one of the most influential figures in modern American history, known for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, groundbreaking political career, and continued advocacy for human rights. This biography offers a 2026 updated, deeply researched profile of his life, achievements, and legacy.
Quick Table
| Full Name | Andrew Jackson Young Jr. |
|---|---|
| Age | 93 (as of 2026) |
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1932 |
| Parents | Daisy Fuller Young (mother), Andrew Jackson Young Sr. (father) |
| Net Worth (2026 Estimate) | $7 – 10 million (approx.) |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Spouse/Partner | Carolyn McClain Young |
| Children | Four children |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Nationality | American |
| Source of Wealth | Public service pensions, speaking engagements, book royalties, consulting, and investments |
| Education | Dillard University; Howard University (BS); Hartford Seminary (Divinity) |
Who is Andrew Young?
Andrew Jackson Young Jr. was born on March 12, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a schoolteacher mother and a dentist father. His early years were shaped by segregation in the Jim Crow South, but also by a strong household emphasis on education, dignity, and service. From an early age, Young’s parents instilled in him a sense of responsibility toward others — a theme that would define his life’s work.
A turning point came during his undergraduate years when Young, initially preparing for a career in medicine, encountered leaders and ideas that shifted his path toward ministry and activism. His involvement in an interracial Protestant retreat ignited his passion for social justice, prompting him to study theology and later serve as a pastor in Georgia. It was in these early years that Young began to see faith and social action as inseparable.
His friendship and mentorship under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. profoundly influenced him. Young once described his role as taking on tasks that were essential to the movement’s progress, even if they were “the dirty work” that did not receive headlines.
Andrew Young Career Journey
After graduating from Hartford Theological Seminary in 1955, Young became an ordained minister. Andrew Young served several congregations in the Deep South during a period of intense racial strife. In these early roles, Young forged his organizing skills, ministered to Black communities, and honed his belief in nonviolent action as a strategy for change.
In 1957, he joined the National Council of Churches’ Youth Division in New York, gaining experience in national organizational leadership before returning to the South to work full-time with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
National Prominence in the Civil Rights Struggle
By the early 1960s, Young had emerged as a vital strategist in the Civil Rights Movement. He oversaw voter registration drives, negotiated with local officials during protests, and helped plan some of the era’s most consequential campaigns in Birmingham, Selma, and St. Augustine. His role often bridged the gap between grassroots organizing and national strategy, bringing structure and negotiation skills to highly volatile environments.
Civil Rights Activism
Young’s work in the Civil Rights Movement went beyond marches and speeches. As executive director of the SCLC, he coordinated local campaigns, mediated complex interracial negotiations, and survived threats to his life. His efforts contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 — transformative federal laws that dismantled legal segregation and expanded voting rights.
Young was arrested and jailed during demonstrations, showing personal courage in pursuit of equal rights. He was also present with Dr. King in Memphis, Tennessee when King was assassinated in 1968 — a moment that deeply affected him and many in the movement.
Political & Diplomatic Career
Service in Congress
Following his activism, Young transitioned into electoral politics. In 1972, he won a seat in the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first African American elected to Congress from Georgia since Reconstruction. He served three terms, advocating for civil rights, social programs, and international peace.
Ambassador to the United Nations
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed Young as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In this role, he focused on human rights and decolonization, particularly in Africa. His tenure was not without controversy; critics questioned his perceived “Third World” sympathies, and he resigned in 1979 after revelations that he had met with a representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Mayor of Atlanta
Young’s political career culminated with his election as the 55th Mayor of Atlanta in 1981. During his two terms, he implemented ambitious urban development strategies. Under his leadership:
- Atlanta attracted more than 1,100 new businesses.
- Foreign direct investment exceeded $70 billion.
- Over one million jobs were generated in the metropolitan area.
He also played a key role in securing the 1996 Olympic Games for Atlanta, boosting the city’s global profile and economic prospects.
What is Andrew Young’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Andrew Young’s net worth is estimated at approximately $7 – 10 million. This figure is based on combined income from public service pensions, book royalties, paid speaking engagements, consulting work, and personal investments.
No official public disclosure from comprehensive financial trackers like Forbes exists for Young’s net worth. Available estimates come from reputable biography and career summary sources that analyze public records, pensions, and sales of published works.
Estimated Breakdown
- Public Service and Retirement Pensions: Significant, though exact figures vary.
- Books and Royalties: Proceeds from multiple published works.
- Speaking Engagements and Consulting: Fees from lectures and international development consulting.
- Investments and Real Estate: Private holdings contribute to overall wealth estimate.
Personal Life & Relationships
Andrew Young married Carolyn McClain Young, and together they raised four children. Carolyn has been a partner in his civic and community work for decades. Young’s personal life has been largely private and free from scandals.
Young’s extended family includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He has balanced his public commitments with family responsibilities, and he continues to serve as a mentor to younger leaders.
Awards & Honors
Throughout his life, Andrew Young has received extensive recognition for his contributions:
- Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S.
- France’s Légion d’honneur
- NAACP Spingarn Medal
- Four Freedoms Award for the Freedom of Worship
- Multiple honorary degrees from institutions including Yale, Dartmouth, and Emory.
- Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award and Dan Sweat Award.
- His portrait is part of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery permanent collection.
Controversies
UN Appointment and Resignation
While serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Young met with a representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization. This meeting became a political controversy and contributed to his resignation in 1979. Statements on this controversy are based on historical accounts and reflect what occurred, not opinion.
No other major controversies involving legal or ethical misconduct have defined Young’s public career.
Legacy
Andrew Young’s impact extends across civil rights, international diplomacy, urban governance, and global development. He helped dismantle segregation, expanded democratic participation, advanced human rights on the world stage, and transformed Atlanta into a major economic center.
Institutions such as the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and the Andrew J. Young Foundation reflect his ongoing influence in education, policy, and humanitarian work.
FAQs
Who is Andrew Young?
A civil rights leader, politician, diplomat, and former mayor of Atlanta.
How old is Andrew Young in 2025?
He is 93 years old, born March 12, 1932.
What is Andrew Young’s net worth?
Estimated at $7 – 10 million as of 2025.
Was Andrew Young ever married?
Yes, to Carolyn McClain Young, with whom he has four children.
Did Andrew Young work with Martin Luther King Jr.?
Yes, he was a key strategist and close ally in the Civil Rights Movement.
