Chandler Owen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chandler Owen
Chandler Owen in 1919

Chandler Owen (born April 5, 1889 – died November 2, 1967) was an important African-American writer and editor. He was also an early member of the Socialist Party of America. Owen was born in North Carolina. He studied and worked in New York City before moving to Chicago. There, he spent most of his career. He even started his own company that helped people and businesses with their public image. He wrote speeches for many important politicians, including presidents like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Chandler Owen's Early Life and Career

Chandler Owen was born in Warrenton, North Carolina, in 1889. He finished his studies at Virginia Union University in 1913. Later, in 1916, he studied economics at Columbia University. During this time, he joined the Socialist Party of America. This group believed that society should be more equal for everyone.

Owen became very good friends with A. Philip Randolph. Together, they followed the ideas of a leader named Hubert Harrison. Owen and Randolph became well-known in Harlem, a famous neighborhood in New York City.

Starting The Messenger Magazine

In 1917, Owen and Randolph started a magazine called The Messenger. This magazine shared important ideas about literature and politics. It featured writings from many leading thinkers of the time.

Soon after, Owen ran for a seat in the New York State Assembly. During this time, he and Randolph were put in jail. They were treated poorly because of their Socialist beliefs.

Moving to Chicago and Public Relations Work

After this, Owen moved to Chicago. He quickly became very interested in social ideas. He became the managing editor of the Chicago Bee. This was a major newspaper for African Americans. He also kept supporting Randolph's efforts to create a union for Pullman porters. These porters worked on trains and needed better working conditions.

As his career grew, Owen started his own company. This company helped people and organizations improve how the public saw them. This is called public relations. He always stayed interested in politics. He wrote many speeches for politicians like Wendell Willkie and Thomas E. Dewey. He even wrote speeches for US presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Later Life and Legacy

In the 1920s, Owen joined the Republican Party. He later tried to become a member of the United States House of Representatives, but he did not win. For the rest of his life, he continued his work in public relations and writing speeches.

Chandler Owen passed away in November 1967. He had a long and important career as a writer, editor, and political advisor. He helped shape discussions about civil rights and social equality in America.