John Mitchell, Jr.

Who was John Mitchell, Jr.?

John Mitchell, Jr. was an African American businessman, newspaper editor, civil rights activist, and politician in Richmond, Virginia. As editor of the Richmond Planet, he frequently published articles in favor of racial equality. In 1904, he organized a black boycott of the city's segregated trolley system.

He founded and served as president of the Mechanics Savings Bank in the city. He served as a city alderman for two terms, and was active in fraternal and professional organizations. He ran unsuccessfully as a Republican Party candidate for governor in 1921.