Blacks can no longer take the black vote for granted
Black political candidates are faced with a double-edged sword. They must actively communicate with white and black voters through grassroots political education.
Citing this Excerpt
Oral History Interview with H. M. Michaux, November 20, 1974. Interview A-0135. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007) in the Southern Oral History Program Collection, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Full Text of the Excerpt
- JACK BASS:
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And one of the objectives of such a campaign would be to increase political awareness, particularly in the east.
- H. M. MICHAUX:
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Oh yes, very definitely. See, not only have you got to work. . . . A black state-wide candidate has a double problem. He's got to work not only to educate the black population, but he's got to work to educate the white voter, too. This is why you can't just jump out and run. You've got to build up your credibility, your viability, in both communities. And the only way you can do it is to spend a little time at the grass roots level. Like Howard has done. Howard has paid his dues. He's worked actively with the party throughout the state. He's recognized in the party not only as a black leader but as a party leader. This helps him to build up his viability.
