Civil rights pioneer Will D. Campbell dies at 88

Will D. Campbell, a Baptist minister and author who played an important role in the civil rights movement, died Monday, June 3, in Nashville following complications from a stroke. He was 88.

Born in Amite County, Mississippi in 1924, he joined the civil rights movement in the 1950s, working closely with the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. He wrote numerous publications, but he is perhaps best known for his autobiographical book Brother to a Dragonfly (1977), which was a finalist for a National Book Award and won the Lillian Smith Prize and the Christopher Award.

Campbell’s death was confirmed by a family friend, John Egerton. Campell is survived by two daughters and four grandchildren.

Related Links
	“Will D. Campbell, Maverick Minister and Civil Rights Stalwart, Dies at 88,” by Robert D. McFassden, The New York Times (4 June 2013).
	“Civil rights leader, preacher Will Campbell dead at 88,” The Tennesseean (4 June 2013).
	“ ‘Bootleg preacher’ Will Campbell dies,” by Bob Allen, Associated Baptist Press (4 June 2013).