History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China HAP 57 - Race First, Then Party - T. Thomas Fortune
Jul 19, 2020
Uncover the insights of T. Thomas Fortune, a pivotal African American journalist who prioritized race rights over party loyalty. Explore the injustices faced by African Americans in the late 19th century and the critical role of the Negro press. Delve into Fortune's advocacy for justice, land redistribution, and practical education as pathways to equality. Discover his significant yet understated influence on race relations and his connections to other civil rights figures, highlighting the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America.
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Civil Rights Act Overruled
- The 1875 Civil Rights Act was struck down by the Supreme Court, which ruled discrimination wasn't a badge of slavery.
- This reinforced the infamous notion that black people have no rights white people have to respect.
Race First, Then Party
- Fortune criticized blind loyalty to the Republican Party for black voters and called for political support earned, not given.
- He suggested forming a third party to better protect race rights, emphasizing race over party loyalty.
Parties Must Serve Justice
- Parties are instruments of tyranny when they become machines failing justice.
- People must ensure parties serve public interest or vote them out; support must be based on shared beliefs, not mere loyalty.
