James Compton

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James W. Compton (born April 7, 1939 in Aurora, Illinois), was president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League from 1978 – 2006. During his tenure, the Chicago Urban League refocused its interest in education and economic development and developed a new emphasis on community empowerment. He is credited with changing the organization from primarily a social service organization to a research organization advocating for public policy.

[edit] Education

James Compton received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Morehouse College in 1961. While at Morehouse he received the Merrill Fellowship, which enabled him to study at the University of Grenoble in France from 1959-1961. He received a diploma in French literature from the University of Grenoble.

[edit] Career and Accomplishments

At Morehouse College, James Compton worked for Benjamin Mays, the college president and legendary educator. Compton was active in the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta and brought that interest with him to Chicago. He worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1966 when King moved to Chicago to initiate a campaign to end discrimination in housing, employment, and schools in the north. Compton was with the National Urban League and the Chicago Urban League in various capacities until he was named President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League in 1978. Compton revitalized the Chicago Urban League, putting it on firm financial ground and ensuring that it had a voice on issues affecting the urban poor and the African American community. In addition, Compton has served on many boards, including ComEd, the Chicago Public Library, DePaul University, the Field Museum of Natural History and Northwestern University.