With the upcoming Democratic National Convention of 2024 in Chicago, we are very aware of the importance of the Black vote in determining who will be the next President of the USA.
As the Founder of The Obsidian Collection Archives, I can say, our collective response to the Democratic National Convention of 1968 is one of my favorite stories.
THE DNC OF 1968 IN CHICAGO
With America’s colorful history of denying Black people the right to vote, we made real progress with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But by the time the Democratic National Convention came to Chicago in 1968, President Lyndon Johnson had announced he wouldn’t seek re-election, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had recently been assassinated and the Vietnam war with the draft was still raging forward. The national organization wanted to move the convention away from Chicago for fear of protests, but Mayor Richard J. Daley was very influential in the party and assured everyone, the Chicago Police Department would squelch any dissent. The resulting riots of the 1968 DNC are legendary. “When the convention was finally over, the Chicago police reported 589 arrests had been made and 119 police and 100 protesters were injured. The riots, which were widely covered by the media, led to a government funded study to determine the cause of the violence. The study was led by Daniel Walker, a Democratic businessman from Illinois who would ran successfully for governor in Illinois in 1972. The study placed most of the blame on the Chicago police. Mayor Daley disagreed with the report and issued the Chicago police a pay raise.”[1]
THE BLACK NATIONAL CONVENTION
The Black National Convention of 1972 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Black liberation movement in the United States. As numerous Black liberation organizations began to emerge across the country, community leaders recognized the necessity of organizing their own convention. The leaders understood that integration into the existing American political system was not as welcoming or inclusive as many had initially hoped. Faced with the realities of systemic exclusion and marginalization, they decided that creating an independent platform was the best course of action to address the unique needs and concerns of Black communities. This platform would allow them to collectively voice their demands and establish a united front in the fight for civil rights and social justice.
This event was organized by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. and other thought leaders of the day. Rather than attempting to gain entry into mainstream political spaces, where their voices were often ignored or suppressed, these leaders chose to consolidate their power and influence by organizing their own convention. This approach empowered the Black community to set its own agenda and priorities, free from the constraints and limitations imposed by the dominant political establishment. Politicians seeking the support of the Black electorate would now have to approach the convention and earn the community's trust and endorsement. This shift represented a significant reorientation of political strategy, emphasizing self-determination and collective action as the keys to achieving meaningful change for Black Americans.
It was decided this convention would be held in Gary, Indiana. It was the largest city in America with a Black Mayor at that time. Mayor Richard Hatcher was excited to show off his city to the country. It was close enough to Chicago to allow Black people from around the country to come to a city that would welcome approximately 10,000 Black people! In 1972, thousands of Black people made the pilgrimage. We would have our own platform. We would be part of this country, too.
This is the same year, 1972, when Shirley Chisholm ran for President. She had already made history as the first Black woman in the US Congress in 1968 for her win in New York’s 12th Congressional District. Chisholm did not attend the BNC. The way the Elders tell the story, Chisholm wanted assurances she would receive their support if she attended. Otherwise, would be very embarrassing to her campaign. But the organizers didn’t want to pledge support in advance because it would seem like the voices of the people weren’t seriously being considered. Because the BNC was the first of its kind, the Congresswoman decided to steer clear, because the outcomes of her appearance were too unpredictable.
The Black National Convention of 1972 was not only a gathering of the most prominent figures in Black politics of the time but also a breeding ground for future leaders who would go on to make significant impacts in their communities and beyond. Many of the attendees that day are now regarded as legends in Black political history, having laid the groundwork for future movements and advocacy efforts. The convention attracted considerable attention from Black journalists, who understood the historic significance of the event and were determined to document this crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice. Their coverage ensured that the voices and ideas expressed at the convention would reach a broader audience, further amplifying the impact of the event.
In addition to the well-known figures who took the stage, the convention also served as a launching pad for new leaders who emerged from the discussions and deliberations. These emerging leaders returned to their cities inspired and empowered, many of them deciding to take direct action by running for elected offices. This wave of political engagement led to a surge in Black representation at various levels of government, as individuals who had participated in the convention channeled the energy and ideas generated there into concrete political campaigns. The convention thus not only made history in its own right but also set the stage for a new generation of Black political leadership across the United States. This list of Black men who successfully ran for Mayor of their cities includes, but is not limited to:
Many of the attendees are still with us today. I shared this information with a journalism colleague recently and she did this story for WGN. The video footage is priceless! We also have an episode of our podcast, Obsidian Stories dedicated to the 1972 BNC as recalled by Bishop Tavis Lane Grant II.
Very soon, the DNC returns to Chicago. Times have certainly changed. The top of the ticket for President is led by a Black woman. The Mayor of Chicago is a Black man. We are making progress.
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