Ralph Campbell Sr.

Ralph Campbell Sr. (1915 – May 15, 1983) was an American postal worker, civil rights activist, and organizer in Raleigh, North Carolina. His wife June was also influential. He worked for the post office. Their son Ralph Campbell Jr. continued their work and was elected state auditor. Another son, Bill Campbell, served as mayor of Atlanta.

Early life Ralph Campbell was born in 1915.

Career Campbell served as president of the Raleigh Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from December 18, 1960 until February 21, 1965.

In 1960, Campbell and his wife petitioned the Raleigh School Board to allow their son Bill to attend the all-white Murphey Elementary Schools and for Ralph Jr. and Mildred to attend the all-white Morson Junior High School for the 1960–1961 school year. The board allowed Bill to be transferred—and thus become the first black student to attend an all-white public school in the city—but denied the applications for Ralph Jr. and Mildred, citing overcrowding at Morson.

In the early 1960s, Campbell and his wife began hosting meetings of civil rights activists at their home. Often sitting around an oval glass-topped table, this group became known as the "Oval Table Gang". Its members strategized to desegregate schools, support black political candidates, and organized protests. The meetings continued until Campbell died.

In 1970, Campbell became president of the Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association. He resigned from the post in 1978. He retook the position in the 1982 and held it until his death.

Later life and legacy On May 12, 1983, Campbell suffered a heart attack while working at Andrew's congressional office in Cary and was taken to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh for treatment. On May 15, 1983, while in the hospital, he suffered an additional heart attack and died shortly thereafter. A requiem was held for him at St. Ambrose Church in Raleigh three days later. His body was subsequently buried at the Raleigh National Cemetery.

After his death he was commemorated in a joint resolution by the North Carolina General Assembly. His wife died in 2004. In 2005, he and his wife were inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame.