Today In Black History: James W. Ford,
Vice Presidential Candidate for the Communist Party of America
Issue #735 Today In Black History, Monday, September 30, 2024
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The Communist Party of America (CPA), known today as the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), was founded in 1919 after the Russian Revolution. The CPA sought to establish a socialist system in the United States. During the Great Depression, the party actively participated in labor movements and civil rights struggles.
James W. Ford, an African American leader, played a significant role in the party's activities during this period. Ford was the vice-presidential candidate for the Communist Party in three presidential elections (1932, 1936, and 1940), becoming the first African American to appear on presidential ballots in the 20th century. His candidacy highlighted the party’s commitment to racial equality and civil rights.
Communists were active in various civil rights organizations, and some members were involved in founding groups like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
James W. Ford was born in Pratt City, Alabama, on December 22, 1893. Growing up in the segregated South, Ford faced harsh racial discrimination, which profoundly influenced his later political ideology. After serving in World War I, Ford moved to Chicago, where he became involved in labor organizing and the burgeoning civil rights movement.
At an early age, Ford lost his grandfather, who was burned alive in a lynching for supposedly being too closely acquainted with a white woman.
Just before graduation from Fisk University in 1917, Ford enlisted in the U.S. Army to support the American war effort in World War I, believing that fighting in that War would assist in winning freedom for Black Americans back home.
Among the discrimination Ford witnessed within the army were false rape allegations levied against Black soldiers who spoke up against their ill-treatment. In the Army, Ford helped organize protest meetings among Black soldiers to organize for their rights and protections.
His early experiences with systemic racism and class exploitation drove him to embrace socialism and, eventually, the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), particularly its call for self-determination for Black Americans.
Ford proposed adopting a trade union program, including an 8-hour working day, protections for young and women workers, opposition to class collaboration, and opposition to white supremacy. In outlining a program for Black liberation struggles in general, Ford voices support for the independence of Liberia, Haiti, and Jamaica (among other countries).
In 1932, James W. Ford made history as the first African American Vice Presidential candidate on a major national ticket when he ran alongside presidential candidate William Z. Foster for the CPUSA. The campaign platform advocated for workers' rights, social justice, and an end to racial segregation—a radical departure from the mainstream party policies.
Ford was instrumental in the founding of the National Negro Congress in 1936 and directed the Harlem Party in a variety of campaigns, including the defense of the Scottsboro Nine and significant protests against employment and housing discrimination.
In addition to his political efforts, Ford was also an influential writer and speaker. He contributed articles to various leftist publications and delivered speeches that resonated with workers and activists alike. His work extended beyond the borders of the United States, as he also played a role in international labor movements and anti-colonial struggles.
James W. Ford died on June 21, 1957, at age 63.
Today In Black History
In 1864, 13 Black soldiers were among the first to be honored with the U.S. Medal of Honor for leading charges against Confederate fortifications during the Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia.
In 1896, educator Booker T. Washington gave his famous “Atlanta Compromise Speech” at the Cotton States Exposition.
In 1919, the Arkansas state militia and other rioters killed over 200 Black people during the Elaine Massacre as sharecroppers attempted to organize against landowners.
In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first Black baseball player to compete in the World Series.
In 1949, Black chemist Percy L. Julian, working at the Glidden Company, announced an improved method for producing cortisone.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy authorized a large force of federal marshals to escort James Meredith as he enrolled at the University of Mississippi.
In 1966, the African nation of the Republic of Botswana gained its independence from the United Kingdom.
In 1975, Black inventor Virgie Ammons patented the fireplace damper actuator.
In 1975, Muhammad Ali beat Joe Frazier during the “Thrilla in Manila” heavyweight boxing fight.
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