Carl Braden facts for kids

Carl Braden (June 24, 1914 – February 18, 1975) was an American journalist and activist. He was well-known for his important work in the Civil Rights Movement, fighting for equal rights for all people. He also worked to support labor unions and promote peace.

Carl Braden's Life Story

Carl Braden was born in New Albany, Indiana, and later passed away in Louisville, Kentucky.

He worked as a reporter for several newspapers, including the Louisville Herald-Post, The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Louisville Times, and The Courier-Journal. He also wrote for many other news services across the country.

In 1948, Carl met and married Anne Gambrell McCarty, who was also a journalist. They had three children together. Their son, James, became a lawyer in San Francisco, California. Their daughter, Elizabeth, became a teacher and worked in many different countries.

Carl and Anne Braden spent their lives working to convince white people to support justice for everyone. They especially fought against racism. After Carl's death, Anne Braden continued their important work against racism. While raising their children, Carl and Anne were deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Because of their activism, they often faced attacks from people who supported segregation.

Early Activism

In 1948, Carl Braden and his wife Anne supported Henry A. Wallace when he ran for president with the Progressive Party. After Wallace lost the election, the Bradens left regular journalism. They used their writing skills to support the labor movement, working with the FE (Farm and Equipment Workers) Union in Louisville. This union represented workers at International Harvester.

The Wade Family Incident (1954)

In 1954, Carl and Anne Braden took a stand against unfair housing rules. They helped an African-American couple, Andrew and Charlotte Wade, buy a house in Shively, Kentucky, which was an all-white neighborhood. The Bradens bought the house and then transferred it to the Wade family.

People who supported segregation quickly reacted with anger. They threw rocks at the house, burned a cross in the yard, and even shot into the home. Later, someone bombed the house while the Wade family was inside, forcing them to leave.

Carl Braden was then accused of trying to cause trouble and was charged with a crime. Even though it was illegal to stop people from buying homes because of their race, Carl was accused of being part of a plot to stir up conflict. He denied these accusations and said he was not part of any such plot.

On December 13, 1954, Carl was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He lost his job at the Courier-Journal. He served seven months in prison before he was released while waiting for an appeal. His conviction was later overturned.

Carl's wife, Anne, wrote a book called The Wall Between in 1958. It told the story of their difficult experience.

Supreme Court Case (1961)

Carl Braden was called to appear before a government committee called the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). He refused to answer their questions. He believed the questions were not fair and went against his First Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech.

His case went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. The case was called Braden v. United States. In 1961, the Supreme Court ruled against Braden, saying his conviction was legal.

Carl was sentenced to one year in prison. Many people, including Martin Luther King Jr., worked to get him released early. He was released after serving nine months of his sentence.

Later Activism

In 1967, the Bradens faced more legal trouble. They were accused of trying to cause trouble again because they protested against strip-mining in Pike County, Kentucky. They used this case to challenge Kentucky's law, and a federal court later ruled that the law was unconstitutional.

Because of their activism, Carl and Anne Braden found it hard to get jobs in Kentucky. They started working as organizers for the Southern Conference Educational Fund (SCEF). They used SCEF's newspaper, The Southern Patriot, and other writings to share information about important civil rights campaigns. Young student activists in the 1960s looked up to the Bradens. They were seen as some of the most dedicated white supporters of the Civil Rights Movement.

On April 30, 1961, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference held a special event to honor Carl Braden and Frank Wilkinson. This was the day before they went to jail for not cooperating with the House Un-American Activities Committee. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was present at this event.

Death

Carl Braden passed away suddenly from a heart attack on February 18, 1975. He is buried in Eminence Cemetery in Eminence, Kentucky.

See also

• History of Louisville, Kentucky
• List of people from the Louisville metropolitan area