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History
Stephen Smith and Samuel G. Freedman
Updated:

The Breakthrough of ’48: When Civil Rights Won the White House

A black and white photo of people cheering
Minneapolis Mayor Hubert Humphrey returns triumphant after making a historic speech at the 1948 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Minnesota Star Tribune.

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During this historic presidential election season — when issues of race and states’ rights are prominent themes — comes a compelling radio program of national significance: “The Breakthrough of ’48: When Civil Rights Won the White House.”

Freedman
"Into the Bright Sunshine" by Samuel G. Freedman documents young Hubert H. Humphrey's fight for civil rights.
Courtesy Oxford University Press

George Floyd’s 2020 murder in Minneapolis jolted many Americans to recognize that much work lay ahead in confronting and overcoming racism. Yet Minneapolis — and America — stood at a nearly identical juncture in the wake of the Allied defeat of fascism in World War II.

The press reviled Minneapolis as the epitome of homegrown bigotry against Blacks and Jews. The response by Minneapolis Mayor Hubert Humphrey and the city’s Black and Jewish leaders propelled the cause of civil rights nationwide. They were joined by an interracial coalition that included A. Philip Randolph, the most important Black civil rights leader of the time.

At the 1948 Democratic National Convention, Humphrey demanded that the party step “out of the shadows of state’s rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.” Southern Democrats defected, creating their own Dixiecrat Party.

Harry Truman, the incumbent president, ran for re-election as the candidate of civil rights. American society and politics were forever changed by his victory, setting the stage for the landmark civil rights laws of the 1960s.  

Three people pose for a photo
From left to right: Stephen Smith, Samuel Freedman and Angela Davis at Lakewood Cemetery where Hubert Humphrey is buried.
Courtesy of Angela Davis

Too few Americans — even those who have read the stirring history of the Freedom Movement — know or fully recognize the significance of Humphrey’s attack on discrimination and the formation of a multi-racial, interfaith movement for civil rights.

Based on veteran journalist Samuel Freedman’s celebrated new book, “Into the Bright Sunshine,” this documentary uses first-person interviews and compelling archival audio to resurrect a pivotal moment in American history that remains relevant and revealing today.

Archival audio: Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota Public Radio, Library of Congress, National Archives and South Hill Films.