This Day Meet America's Most Influential Black Congressman (1971) w/ Marion Orr
Dec 11, 2025
Marion Orr, a political scientist and author, delves into the life of Charles C. Diggs Jr., a trailblazing congressman known for his staunch fight against apartheid. Orr discusses Diggs's strategic coalition-building in Congress and his significant role in founding the Congressional Black Caucus. The conversation highlights his moral stance, shaped by civil rights experience, and his effective pressure tactics alongside advocacy groups. Unfortunately, his legacy is marred by a corruption scandal, prompting reflections on whether a figure like Diggs could thrive in today's political climate.
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Diggs's 1971 UN Resignation
- Charles C. Diggs resigned from the U.S. UN delegation in 1971 to protest U.S. policy toward apartheid South Africa.
- His resignation highlighted persistent U.S. refusal to condemn apartheid despite repeated UN efforts.
Early Congressional Focus On Africa
- Diggs became the first member of Congress to focus intensively on Africa and apartheid from the late 1950s.
- He repeatedly pushed administrations to sever U.S. ties with South Africa despite Cold War strategic arguments.
Linking Domestic And International Racism
- Diggs's opposition to apartheid drew on his direct experience with American segregation and civil-rights struggles.
- He linked U.S. domestic racial injustice to international apartheid to create moral pressure for policy change.
