Groppi, James

Groppi, James, 1931–85, American Roman Catholic cleric and political activist, b. Milwaukee. Groppi, who grew up in the Milwaukee slums, attended St. Francis' Seminary and was ordained in 1960. In 1967 he helped lead Milwaukee's black population in more than 100 demonstrations against segregated housing; his actions resulted in an open housing ordinance. Groppi directed his protest activities primarily to the state and city levels. Having had long-standing differences with the church hierarchy, he left the priesthood and St. Michael's Parish in Milwaukee in 1976 when he married activist Margaret Rozga.