Growing African American Political Voice of the 1920s Oscar De Priest & Marcus Garvey

Congressman Oscar De Priest 1929-1935 Representative of Illinois Republican from city of Chicago 1st African American Congressman of the 20th Century Groundbreaker, Lawmaker, Civil Rights Advocate

True “Rags to Riches” Story Born in Florence, Alabama To former slaves Father rescued a Lynching victim Another victim killed on their doorstep Family then joined the “Exodusters” migration and moved to Kansas, 1878 Moved to Ohio Studied Business & Bookkeeping Worked as a Painter & Decorator Dayton

Moved to Chicago in 1889 Moved to Chicago Became successful businessman, contractor, real estate broker

A successful businessman Became A Building Contractor Real Estate Broker Built a Fortune in Stock Market Helped Black families move into All-white neighborhoods & apartments Received Death Threats Oscar De Priest House – Apartment Building

A little trouble with the law! Stepped down as Alderman Accused of involvement with Chicago’s Black Mob Found Not Guilty! NO WONDER! Guess who his lawyer was? Clarence Darrow

Returned to Politics Top Black Politician of Chicago Under Mayor “Big Bill” Thompson

1st African American Representative since days of Reconstruction Why were there no more African American Representatives from the South after Reconstruction until De Priest? How were African Americans able to go to Congress from southern States during Reconstruction?

Represented Chicago’s Southside So, how was De Priest elected from Chicago’s South Side?

Congressional Achievements Introduced several Anti-Discrimination Bills – failed! Introduced an Anti-Lynching Bill – would fine and imprison officials who allowed lynchings of prisoners – failed! Amendment barring in the CCC – Passed & Signed by Pres. Roosevelt! Bill to transfer trials to different area when could not get a fair trial – Passed! Lincoln’s Birthday declared a holiday – Passed! Pensions to elderly former slaves – Passed!

Defended His right to eat in the capital Dining Room rather than behind kitchen! Told an Alabama Senator “he wasn’t big enough to prevent him from dining in the Senate Restaurant!”

Man of Boldness & Courage Dared to speak in South despite death threats Led a 3-month fight against segregation in U.S. Capital Restaurant Restaurant remained segregated Urged President Hoover to ask 1st Lady to keep tradition and invite his wife to tea at White House Jessie Williams De Priest 1st Lady – Lou Hoover

Appointed 1st Black cadet to Military academy Benjamin O. Davis Jr. His father was the only black officer in the entire army Received the “silent treatment” through WestPoint Became a Tuskegee Airman Became a General

DePriest declared it was all just a “Tempest in a Teapot” His wife made national news by being the 1st African American wife invited to tea at the white house DePriest declared it was all just a “Tempest in a Teapot” Jessie De Priest

Invited to white house by activist First lady Lou Henry hoover Determined to find a way to break color barrier at White House Invited Congressman De Priest’s beautiful wife Jessie to a Congressmen’s Wives Tea News Articles all over the nation Hundreds of letters to the White House

Man of Controversy A Republican at Heart Civil Rights Activists criticized him He opposed aid to needy at beginning of Depression Opposed Taxes on Rich Opposed Federal Relief for needy during Depression Associated with unpopular Hoover and Republicans after Depression started Defeated in 1934 by a Democrat

Returned to serve Chicago Served on City Council until 1947 Died at the age of 80 Had two sons De Priest Home in Washington D.C. http://www.whitehousehistory.org/whha_shows/depriest-tea-incident/african-american-congress.html

another African American senator from Chicago's south side

Marcus garvey & black nationalism A Different Kind of Voice

Called For Voluntary Separation Native From Jamaica Message of “Negro Nationalism” Back to Africa Movement Founded the UNIA – Universal Negro Improvement Association Based in Harlem

UNIA Message – “Get Educated!” Encouraged Black Pride & Unity “Be Proud to be Black” “Separate from White Society” “Will never find justice in America!” He would lead them back to Africa.

Appealed to Working Class African Americans Held Convention of 50,000 Wore Uniforms Marched in Harlem Proposed to Create new Settlement in Liberia, Africa New Settlement concerned Britain & Africa Members felt a part of something important

Movement Lost Strength Middle Class African Americans & Intellectuals opposed him FBI thought him dangerous, watched him Convicted him of Mail Fraud Sent to prison His popularity led Pres. Coolidge to free him On the condition he return to Jamaica W.E.B. DuBois appealed to Middle Class African Americans & Professionals

Ascent of Ethiopia - Lois Mailou Jones (1932) Accomplishment - Inspired Millions of African Americans to have pride in their heritage A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. A reading man and woman is a ready man and woman, but a writing man and woman is exact. God and Nature first made us what we are, and then out of our own created genius we make ourselves what we want to be. Follow always that great law. Let the sky and God be our limit and Eternity our measurement. If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. Ascent of Ethiopia - Lois Mailou Jones (1932)

garvey Glorified Black Culture & Traditions of the African Past Central Questions How were African American neighborhoods instrumental to the Harlem Renaissance and rising African American political voices? What did the Harlem Renaissance accomplish for African Americans in the quest for civil rights? How did Oscar DePriest beak new ground politically? How did Marcus Garvey & his message differ from other black leaders?