July l4, 1948

Hubert H. Humphrey gives a rousing speech on the subject of civil rights for African Americans at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Humphrey opposed an effort by Harry S. Truman’s supporters to put a weak civil rights plank in the Democratic platform in order to carry the southern states. The speech marks the beginning of Humphrey’s rise to national attention and is a turning point in the Democratic Party’s shift from a generally segregationist party to one advocating full legal rights for minorities. Want to explore this and other events?

Thanks to Juliana James’ 4th Grade Class at Frost Lake Magnet School part of St Paul Public Schools for the research on January’s Day in History.

Thanks also to Minnesota’s Learn and Serve America Service Learning Program for their help.

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