Channing E. Phillips facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Channing E. Phillips
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| Personal details | |
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Channing Emery Phillips
March 23, 1928 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 11, 1987 (aged 59) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jane Celeste |
| Children | 5, including Channing |
Channing Emery Phillips (born March 23, 1928 – died November 11, 1987) was an important American minister, a leader in the civil rights movement, and a social activist. He lived and worked in Washington, D.C.. In 1968, he made history as the first African American to be nominated for president of the United States by a major political party.
Contents
A Life of Service
Early Years and Education
Phillips was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father was a Baptist minister. Channing grew up in New York City and Pittsburgh. He served in the United States Army in the late 1940s. Phillips earned his first college degree from Virginia Union University. He then received a Master of Divinity from the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. He also continued his studies at Drew University.
Working for Change
Phillips moved to Washington, D.C.. There, he helped start a group called the Coalition of Conscience. This group brought together many local organizations. Their goal was to help solve social problems in the capital city. Phillips also taught as a professor of divinity at Howard University. For seven years, he served as the pastor of Lincoln Temple, a United Church of Christ church in Washington.
A Historic Presidential Nomination
In 1968, Phillips led Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign in Washington, D.C. He also led the group of representatives from D.C. to the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. These representatives had originally promised their support to Senator Kennedy. However, after Senator Kennedy's death in June, the group decided to nominate Reverend Phillips. They nominated him as a "favorite son" candidate. This means he was a local candidate nominated by his state's delegation, often to show local pride or influence.
Phillips received 68 votes for president. He was behind other candidates like Hubert Humphrey, Eugene McCarthy, and George McGovern. Many people believe Reverend Phillips was the first Black person ever nominated at a major party convention. He was definitely the first African American to receive votes for the presidential nomination at a Democratic National Convention. An earlier abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, received votes for president at the 1888 Republican National Convention. However, official records do not show that his name was formally put into nomination.
Phillips explained that his candidacy aimed to show that "the Negro vote must not be taken for granted." At that time, Phillips was also the president of the Housing Development Corporation. This was a government-supported project to build homes in Washington, D.C.
Advocating for Washington D.C.
In 1971, Phillips ran to become the first representative for D.C. in the United States House of Representatives. He wanted D.C. to have "home-rule" status. This means the city would have more power to govern itself, like a state. However, he lost the Democratic primary election to Walter E. Fauntroy.
Phillips later moved back to New York City in 1982. He became the Minister of Planning and Coordination at the Riverside Church.
Family and Later Life
Channing Phillips passed away from cancer at age 59. He was survived by his wife, Jane. They had five children: two sons, Channing D. Phillips (who became an acting United States Attorney for the District of Columbia) and John E. Phillips. They also had three daughters: Sheilah P. Peterson, Tracy J. Phillips, and Jill C. Phillips. His funeral was held at Riverside Church in New York.
