Operation Breadbasket facts for kids

Operation Breadbasket was an important organization in the United States. It worked to make economic conditions better for Black communities. This group started on February 11, 1966. Jesse Jackson became its leader.

The main goal was to help African Americans get jobs. They wanted companies in Black neighborhoods to hire more Black people. They also wanted to help businesses owned by Black people grow. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in this idea. He felt that Black people should not support businesses that treated them unfairly. This meant not shopping at places that denied them jobs or good service.

To reach their goals, Operation Breadbasket used a plan called "selective patronage." This meant choosing carefully where to spend money. They first focused on dairy companies and grocery stores. They organized protests and asked people to stop buying from certain stores. This pressure helped convince companies to improve their hiring practices. It also encouraged them to support the Black community more.

In 1967, Operation Breadbasket became a national group. Dr. King chose Jesse Jackson to lead it across the country. Within one year, the group led over 40 boycotts. These actions helped more than 8,000 African Americans get jobs. Even with these successes, it was hard to check if companies kept their promises. After Dr. King's death, the group faced challenges. Operation Breadbasket ended in December 1971.

The Story of Operation Breadbasket

How Operation Breadbasket Started

Operation Breadbasket began in 1962. It was part of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Reverend Fred C. Bennette led the first activities in Atlanta and other Southern cities.

Jesse Jackson's Role

Jesse Jackson became a very important person in Operation Breadbasket. In 1964, he moved from South Carolina to Chicago. He studied at the Chicago Theological Seminary. He also joined the SCLC's efforts in Selma. When he returned, he helped the SCLC start its work in Chicago.

In 1966, Jesse Jackson was chosen to lead the Chicago chapter of Operation Breadbasket. He was inspired by Reverend Leon Sullivan in Philadelphia. Sullivan had a plan to encourage "selective buying." This meant boycotting businesses. The goal was to pressure white-owned businesses. They wanted these businesses to hire Black people. They also wanted them to buy goods and services from Black-owned companies.

Another important person was Dr. T.R.M. Howard. He was a doctor and community leader in Chicago. He helped Operation Breadbasket with money. Before moving to Chicago, Dr. Howard was a civil rights leader. He was also a surgeon and a business owner.

Dr. Howard had successfully organized a boycott before. He led the Regional Council of Negro Leadership. They boycotted gas stations that did not have restrooms for Black people.

Changes and New Beginnings

In December 1971, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy had a disagreement. Abernathy was Dr. King's successor as head of the SCLC. Jackson and his supporters left the SCLC. They then started a new group called Operation PUSH. This new organization had similar goals to Operation Breadbasket. Even after Jackson left, Operation Breadbasket continued for a short time.

Music of Operation Breadbasket

The Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir

The Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir was a special music group. Ben Branch was their musical director. They performed at events to support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Operation/PUSH. Just before he was assassinated, Dr. King asked Ben Branch to play a song. It was a spiritual called "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." This was for a rally planned for later that day.

Recognizing Ben Branch's Work

Cannonball Adderley was a famous musician. In 1969, he released an album called Country Preacher. In the introduction to the main song, he mentioned Ben Branch. He recognized Branch for his great work. Branch led the Operation Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir.

See also

In Spanish: Operation Breadbasket para niños