Few remember the legacy of politician Hubert Humphrey, and those who do might recall a failed presidential bid in 1968 and his refusal to publicly criticize the Vietnam War. But if given a closer look, Humphrey’s early years were defined by his hopes for a more just America. His life is one that deserves reexamination, and that’s exactly what he’s finally been given, through award-winning author Samuel G. Freedman’s book, Into the Bright Sunshine.
During one sweltering week in July 1948, the Democratic Party gathered in Philadelphia for its national convention. The most pressing and controversial issue facing the delegates was not whom to nominate for president — the incumbent, Harry Truman, was the presumptive candidate — but whether the Democrats would finally embrace the cause of civil rights and embed it in their official platform. To the surprise of many, including Humphrey himself, the delegates voted to adopt a meaningful civil rights plank.
From distinguished journalist Samuel G. Freedman comes a book that celebrates one of the overlooked landmarks of civil rights history, and illuminates the early life and enduring legacy of the man who helped bring it about.
On Wednesday, October 25th, FOLCS hosted a Conversation with award-winning author and Columbia Journalism School Professor Samuel G. Freedman on his latest book, Into the Bright Sunshine.
This event was produced in partnership with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.
Samuel G. Freedman
Author, Professor
Samuel G. Freedman is an award-winning author, journalist, and educator. He has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award and has won the National Jewish Book Award and the New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Award. His columns for the New York Times about education and religion have received national prizes. He is a professor at Columbia University and has been named the nation’s Outstanding Journalism Educator by the Society of Professional Journalists.