Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey and the Fight for Civil Rights

From one of the country's most distinguished journalists, a revisionist and riveting look at the American politician whom history has judged a loser, yet who played a key part in the greatest social movement of the 20th century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 490 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

A Revisionist and Gripping Examination of the American Politician Who History Has Labeled a Failure Yet Who Played a Pivotal Role in the Greatest Social Movement of the 20th Century

The Democratic Party convened in Philadelphia in July 1948 for its national convention, facing a critical and contentious decision: whether to endorse the cause of civil rights and incorporate it into their official platform. Despite the support of Franklin Roosevelt, the party had avoided addressing this issue to maintain a coalition with Southern segregationists, known as Dixiecrats.

On the final day of the convention, Hubert Humphrey, a relatively unknown mayor of Minneapolis at the age of 37, took the stage. Defying Harry Truman's preference for a moderate stance, Humphrey urged the delegates to embrace human rights wholeheartedly, moving away from the shadow of state's rights. His speech placed everything on the line, both rhetorically and politically, with the aim of propelling the party and the nation forward.

To the surprise of many, including Humphrey himself, the delegates voted in favor of a meaningful civil-rights plank. With no alternative, Truman seized the opportunity presented by this decision, desegregating the armed forces and securing an upset victory over frontrunner Thomas Dewey in November. This remarkable outcome, marking its 75th anniversary as this book is published, continues to shape American politics to this day.

Humphrey's journey to deliver that pivotal speech is a testament to his unwavering commitment to social justice and his role in shaping the course of history. His unwavering dedication to the cause of civil rights not only transformed the political landscape but also paved the way for greater equality and opportunities for generations to come.

Weight: 840g
Dimension: 169 x 245 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197535196