Oral History Interview with H. M. Michaux, November 20, 1974. Interview A-0135. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
H. M. Michaux discusses his role in black electoral politics in the urban South. His grassroots engagement with local Durham, North Carolina, politics helped to catapult him into the state House of Representatives, where he has served since 1972. Michaux explains that black politicians need to employ different campaign strategies in black and white communities. He also offers insight into the inner workings of black political alliances, as well as the internal decisions involved with political offices. He speculates on the permanence of the Republican Party in North Carolina. Despite some Republican success, Michaux contends that the Democratic Party will continue to dominate North Carolina politics. He stresses the need for a Democratic coalition and black political education in order to preserve black electoral power.
Excerpts
Internal operations of a local black political organization
Relevance of the black vote
Michaux assesses Jim Holshouser's adminstration
Durham's political stagnation due to lack of economic growth
Black candidates need to appeal to white and black audiences
Republicans' political chances in upcoming elections
Conservative candidates will jeopardize progressive legislation
Rather than align along racial lines, black legislators should focus on political issues
Democratic Party must campaign cooperatively to retain political power
Politicians must now campaign for the black vote to win elections
Blacks can no longer take the black vote for granted
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Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews
Subjects
North Carolina--Race relations
African Americans--Political activity
North Carolina--Politics and government
Democratic Party (N.C.)
Hunt, James B., 1937-
Helms, Jesse
African American politicians--North Carolina
Voter registration--North Carolina
Women political activists--North Carolina
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