The Progressive Party convention held in Philadelphia on July 23, 1948, was a significant event in American political history. It was at this convention that Henry Wallace, former Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt, was nominated as the Progressive Party’s candidate for president. Wallace had been a key figure in Roosevelt’s administration, known for his advocacy of progressive policies, including civil rights and economic reforms.

The Progressive Party, which had splintered off from the Democratic Party, made a concerted effort to appeal to African Americans, who were increasingly engaged in political and social movements during the post-World War II era. Around 150 Black delegates and alternates attended the convention, highlighting the party’s growing outreach to African American communities.

The keynote speaker, Charles P. Howard, was a notable figure in his own right. He was an attorney, a publisher, and a former Republican, whose presence symbolized the Progressive Party’s broader appeal across different political and social groups. His speech at the convention underscored the party’s commitment to racial equality and civil rights, which was a key part of their platform during that time.

The 1948 Progressive Party convention marked an important moment in the history of political movements aimed at challenging the status quo and advocating for racial justice and economic reform in the United States.