The Detroit News. Francis A. Kornegay was a force behind integration in city businesses, using his charm and wit to push banks, automakers, and utility companies to hire African Americans. He was probably the individual who most helped to integrate businesses and banks and corporations in the city. He was 86.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Mr. Kornegay was born in Mt. Olive, N.C., and earned a bachelor's of science degree in 1935 from North Carolina State University, a masters of administration from the Wilberforce University in 1941 and his doctorate in 1972. He was director of the Detroit Urban League from 1960-1978 and teamed with the city and big business to improve the quality of life of black Detroiters. It was not an easy task in those early years as there were no civil rights laws on the books yet to legally compel businesses not to discriminate. He placed the first individuals in some of the banks in roles that allowed them to move up to become vice presidents. Sue Hamilton-Smith, a former Urban League Board member who knew Mr. Kornegay for more than 25 years, said he was a persuasive gentleman, whose contributions to the community are immeasurable.