Operation Breadbasket facts for kids

Operation Breadbasket was an important group that worked to make life better for black communities across the United States. It started on February 11, 1966, led by Jesse Jackson.

The main goal of Operation Breadbasket was to help African Americans get jobs in companies located in black neighborhoods. They also wanted to help businesses owned by black people grow. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that black people should not support businesses that did not offer them good jobs or treat them well.

To reach their goals, Operation Breadbasket used a plan called "selective patronage." This meant they would choose which businesses to support. They first focused on dairy companies and big supermarkets. They organized protests and asked people to stop buying from stores that sold products from these companies. This pressure helped make companies improve their hiring practices and support the black community.

In 1967, Operation Breadbasket became a national group. Dr. King chose Jesse Jackson to lead it across the country. In just one year, the group successfully organized over 40 boycotts. This led to more than 8,000 African American workers getting jobs.

Even though they made agreements with many big companies, it was hard to check if the companies kept their promises. Also, disagreements within the group and the big responsibilities on Jesse Jackson after Dr. King's death led to Operation Breadbasket ending in December 1971.

The Start of Operation Breadbasket

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

Jesse Jackson became a very important person in Operation Breadbasket later on. In 1964, Jackson moved from South Carolina to study in Chicago. He also took part in the SCLC's work in Selma. When he came back from Selma, he helped the SCLC start its efforts in Chicago.

In 1966, the SCLC chose Jackson to lead the Chicago part of Operation Breadbasket. He was inspired by Rev. Leon Sullivan in Philadelphia. A main goal was to encourage "selective buying," which meant boycotting. This was a way to pressure white businesses to hire black people and buy goods from black-owned businesses.

Dr. T.R.M. Howard, a leader from Chicago's South Side, also helped Operation Breadbasket. He had organized a successful boycott of gas stations that did not have restrooms for black people.

Changes and New Beginnings

In December 1971, Jesse Jackson had a disagreement with Ralph Abernathy. Abernathy took over as the head of the SCLC after Dr. King. Jackson and his supporters then left the SCLC. They started a new, independent group called Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity). This new group had goals very similar to Operation Breadbasket. Even after Jackson left, Operation Breadbasket continued for a short time.

Music and Support

The Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir helped raise money for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Operation PUSH. Ben Branch was their musical director.

Just before he was assassinated, Dr. King asked Ben Branch to play a spiritual song called "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." This was for a rally that was planned for later that day.

Cannonball Adderley, a famous musician, mentioned Ben Branch in his 1969 album Country Preacher. He recognized Branch for his great work leading the Operation Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir.

See also

In Spanish: Operation Breadbasket para niños