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Into the Bright Sunshine: How Hubert Humphrey challenged his party on civil rights

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Hubert Humphrey speaking to the Democratic National Convention in 1948
In this July 14, 1948, file photo, Mayor Hubert H. Humphrey of Minneapolis wears a Truman button as he addresses the Democratic National Convention at Philadelphia. In his speech, Humphrey declared it’s time to “get out of the shadow of states’ rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.” After support for civil rights was added to the party platform, Mississippi’s delegates and half of Alabama’s walked out. AP Photo

Seventy-five years ago, a mayor from Minneapolis challenged the Democratic Party to take action on civil rights for African Americans. We talk with the author of a new book about Hubert Humphrey to learn how the struggle for racial equality in 1948 relates to today.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Joe Tarr Producer
  • A. Emily Ralph Technical Director
  • Samuel Freedman Guest

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