Charlene Mitchell: First Black Woman to Run for President on a Communist Party Ticket

In 1968, Charlene Mitchell made history as the first Black woman in the United States to run for president, campaigning as the nominee of the Communist Party USA. Her candidacy was a bold and unprecedented challenge to an American political system that had long excluded women and people of color from its highest offices. Mitchell’s campaign was rooted in a broader struggle for racial, economic, and social justice, reflecting her deep commitment to civil rights and labor movements.

Born in 1920 in Brooklyn, New York, Charlene Mitchell was raised in a family that instilled in her a passion for justice and activism. She became involved in union organizing and leftist politics at a young age, ultimately joining the Communist Party in the 1940s. As an organizer, she worked alongside labor leaders, civil rights activists, and community groups, advocating for fair wages, desegregation, and equality. Her work brought her into direct contact with key figures in the broader struggle for civil rights, shaping her political philosophy and activism.

Mitchell’s 1968 presidential campaign was not focused on winning electoral votes in the traditional sense, but on raising awareness about systemic inequalities and articulating a vision for transformative social change. Running at the height of the civil rights era, her platform emphasized ending racial segregation, securing jobs and housing for all, and challenging U.S. policies that perpetuated global inequality. Her voice was distinctly political, directly confronting issues that many mainstream candidates ignored or sidestepped during that tumultuous period in American history.

Despite facing widespread opposition from both political establishments and segments of the Black community who feared backlash for her Communist affiliation, Mitchell persisted in her campaign as a principled advocate for marginalized people. While she did not garner significant votes, her candidacy remains a symbol of resistance and courage, demonstrating that political participation could extend beyond conventional party lines.

Charlene Mitchell’s legacy continues to inspire activists and political thinkers who challenge the status quo, reminding the nation of the importance of including diverse voices in conversations about power, policy, and progress. Her historic run for the presidency opened a path for future Black women to challenge norms and pursue leadership at the highest levels of public life.