Turning Point in Freedom Road: the Fight to End Jim Crow Now

New York: New Century Publishers, Allied Printing, 1962. Octavo pamphlet in green & white printed and stapled wraps; 32 pages; 19 cm; bibliographical references. A few minor damp spots to front wrap recto only; else tight, clean and overall about very good(-) thus. RTight anc lean within. Paperback.

Surprisingly scarce. "Claude Lightfoot ... is a leading Communist spokesman and an important voice among the Negro people. He was indicted, convicted, and later free, in a federal trial for the 'crime' of being a member of the Communist Party under the fascist-like provisions of the Smith Act. Mr. Lightfoot's case drew wide support as a test of the doctrine of 'guilt by association'. But more than that, his defense was based on the American Bill of Rights, of the right of all Americans - Communists included - freely to think, speak, write and exchange their views and opinions in the public arena."--To the reader. ¶  "Claude Lightfoot (1910–1991) was an African American political leader and a prominent member of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA). He was known for his activism in the civil rights movement and his efforts to fight racial discrimination. Born in Arkansas, Lightfoot moved to Chicago as a young man and became involved in left-wing politics. He joined the CPUSA in the 1930s and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a member of the party's National Committee and later its National Board. Lightfoot was also a writer and speaker, known for his eloquent defenses of communism and his critiques of racial discrimination and capitalism. He wrote several books, including "Race and Revolution" (1955) and "Black Power and Liberation: A Communist View" (1967). In the 1950s, during the height of the Red Scare, Lightfoot was convicted under the Smith Act, a federal law that made it illegal to advocate the violent overthrow of the government. He was sentenced to five years in prison but was released after two years following a successful appeal. After his release, Lightfoot continued his activism and his work with the CPUSA."

Noirs américains -- Ségrégation. African Americans -- Segregation. Black Studies.