Clifton DeBerry facts for kids
Clifton DeBerry (born September 18, 1923 – died March 24, 2006) was an American political activist. He was a member of the Socialist Workers Party. He made history as the first Black American in the 20th century to be nominated for president by a political party. He ran for president twice.
About Clifton DeBerry
His Early Life
Clifton DeBerry was born in September 1923. His hometown was Holly Springs, Mississippi. He worked as a house painter. He was also a trade union member. This means he was part of a group that worked to protect workers' rights.
In the 1940s, DeBerry moved from the South to Chicago. There, he worked in a factory. He became active in a union for farm equipment workers. He also joined the Communist Party. Later, he disagreed with some of their ideas. In 1953, he joined the Socialist Workers Party. This group followed the ideas of Trotskyism, a type of socialism.
During the late 1950s in Chicago, DeBerry found it hard to keep a job. He said, "I would get a job and it would last only 3 days." He believed the FBI would visit his bosses. After these visits, he would be fired. Because of these difficulties, DeBerry moved to New York in 1960.
His Political Journey
DeBerry's work as a political activist really grew in the 1950s. In 1955, he helped organize a large protest in Chicago. This protest was against the lynching of Emmett Till in Mississippi. DeBerry also spoke out for the Cuban Revolution. He supported African countries fighting for freedom. He also demanded that U.S. troops leave Vietnam.
DeBerry marched for civil rights in places like Selma, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee. He was a supporter of Malcolm X in the 1960s. He also helped start important labor groups. These included the Negro Labor Congress and the Negro American Labor Council.
In November 1963, DeBerry ran for councilman in Brooklyn, New York City. He received 3,514 votes in that election.
DeBerry was the Socialist Workers Party's candidate for president in the 1964 election. He was the first African American candidate for president from his party. He was also the first African American candidate for president from any major party in the 20th century. His running mate was Ed Shaw.
In 1965, DeBerry ran for Mayor of New York. In 1970, he ran for Governor of New York. He received 5,766 votes in that race.
DeBerry ran for president again in the 1980 election. He was one of three candidates for his party that year. His vice presidential candidate was Matilde Zimmermann.
Later Years and Legacy
Clifton DeBerry passed away on March 24, 2006. He died from heart failure. He was 82 years old. He passed away in a hospital near his home in Union City, California. The Socialist Workers Party held a special meeting in New York City to honor him.
