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

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.”

 

At the 1948 Democratic National Convention, Minneapolis Mayor Hubert Humphrey demanded that his party “walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.” Southern Democrats defected, creating their own Dixiecrat Party. But President Harry Truman ran for re-election as the candidate of civil rights, and his dramatic victory set the stage for the landmark civil rights laws of the 1960s.  

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 recall a pivotal moment in American history that remains relevant and revealing today.  

Length

One hour

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Digital Assets

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ContentDepot File Transfer

Preview audio available: August 23, 2024, 2024
Promo spot available: September 12, 2024
Program rundown available: September 25, 2024
Date content will be available: September 26, 2024

ContentDepot

Broadcast Window

September 26, 2024 - November 6, 2024

Broadcast Rights

Affiliate stations may carry this program multiple times before November 7, 2024. The program must be carried in its entirety. No excerpting is permitted. Simulcast streaming rights are available for this program. Prior to carrying this program, stations must contact Marge Ostroushko.

Angela Davis headshot

Angela Davis

Angela is the host of MPR News with Angela Davis, at Minnesota Public Radio. She joined MPR News after more than 25 years of television reporting and anchoring in the Twin Cities and other cities throughout the country. Angela graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in journalism. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the university’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism in 2024. She grew up in southern Virginia and is a member of the local and national chapters of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.


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