William Monroe Trotter has been called one of the most diligent workers for civil rights in the twentieth century. (CBB, 241) W.E.B. Du Bois wrote a tribute to W. M. Trotter after his death saying Monroe Trotter was a man of heroic proportions and probably one of the most selfless Negro leaders during all our American history. Born in Chillcothe, Ohio, raised in Boston’s Hyde Park, class president of his senior class, educated magna cum laude at Harvard, Trotter made a tremendous difference during his time, and his advocacy work continues to have an impact on Americans of all races today. From the time he was five years old, Monroe Trotter was dedicated to work for race equality. He considered becoming a minister and was urged toward such a course by the pastor and deacons of the white First Baptist Church of Hyde Park. His convictions and courageous stands for racial equality often put him at odds with American presidents, African American leaders and the American press of his day, but he never let harsh criticism deter him from what he believed was right and just. Many of his beliefs, and protest methods, including non–violence, have been used throughout the civil rights movement.

Trotter was the son of James Monroe Trotter, a civil war veteran and staunch advocate for racial equality and justice, and Virginia Isaacs, whom it is believed (according to oral tradition passed down in the Trotter family) was a descendant of President Thomas Jefferson. Trotter was a devoted family man. Early on he learned much from his father, who encouraged him in his education, and from his wife and father-in-law, both of whom encouraged his political awareness. His wife, Geraldine Louise Rindell, known as Deenie, came from a family tradition of racial advocacy for equality and justice.

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