Channing E. Phillips facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Channing E. Phillips
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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 (March 23, 1928 – November 11, 1987) was an American minister, civil rights leader, and social activist. He lived and worked mainly in Washington, D.C.. In 1968, he made history. He was the first African American person ever nominated for president of the United States by a major political party.
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Early Life and Education
Channing Phillips was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father was a Baptist minister. Channing grew up in both New York City and Pittsburgh.
In the late 1940s, he served in the United States Army. After his military service, Phillips went to college. He earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University. He also received a Master of Divinity from the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. He continued his studies at Drew University.
Working for Change
Phillips later moved to Washington, D.C.. There, he became a founding member of the Coalition of Conscience. This group brought together many local organizations. They worked to solve social problems in the capital city.
For seven years, Phillips served as the pastor of Lincoln Temple, a church in Washington. He also taught as a professor of divinity at Howard University.
A Historic Presidential Bid
In 1968, Phillips led Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign in Washington, D.C. He also led the D.C. team to the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The D.C. team had originally supported Senator Kennedy. But after Senator Kennedy's assassination in June, the team decided to nominate Rev. Phillips. They chose him as a "favorite son" candidate.
Phillips received 68 votes at the convention. He was behind candidates like Hubert Humphrey and Eugene McCarthy. This made him the first African American to receive votes for the presidential nomination at a Democratic National Convention. Some say he was the first Black person ever nominated at a major party convention.
Phillips stated that his reason for running was important. He wanted to show that "the Negro vote must not be taken for granted." At that time, Phillips was also president of the Housing Development Corporation. This was a government-supported housing project in Washington, D.C.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1971, Phillips ran for a new role. He wanted to become the first congressional delegate for D.C. in the United States House of Representatives. However, he lost the primary election to Walter E. Fauntroy. Phillips strongly supported full "home-rule" for Washington, D.C. This meant D.C. would have more control over its own local government.
In 1982, Phillips moved back to New York City. He became the Minister of Planning and Coordination at the Riverside Church.
Channing Phillips passed away from cancer at age 59. He was survived by his wife, Jane, and their five children. His funeral was held at Riverside Church in New York. His son, Channing D. Phillips, later became the acting United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.
