Charlene Alexander Mitchell
(June 8, 1930 – December 14, 2022)
A prominent American international socialist, feminist, labor, and civil rights activist who left an indelible mark on American politics and social justice.She achieved the historic distinction of being the inaugural Black woman to run for President of the United States. Her impact extended into the 1970s, when she assumed leadership roles in championing Angela Davis’s defense, established the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, advocated for the legal defenses of Joan Little and the Wilmington Ten, and dedicated herself to the cause of anti-apartheid activism.
Early Life and Education: Born as Charlene Alexander in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 8, 1930, Mitchell’s family moved to Chicago when she was just nine years old, as part of the Great Migration of Black Southerners. During her formative years, she resided in the Frances Cabrini Rowhouses in Chicago’s Near North Side and pursued studies at the Moody Bible Institute. Her early activism dates back to the 1940s when she participated in a successful sit-in protest against segregated seating in a theater. In this historic act of defiance, white students occupied the “colored only” balcony, while Black students sat in the “whites only” section below.
Mitchell’s commitment to activism was evident from a young age, having joined the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) at 16 and even earlier, when she joined the youth branch, the American Youth for Democracy, at the age of 13.
Political Career: In 1958, Mitchell’s involvement in the CPUSA took on national significance as she joined the party’s national committee. Her bold stance was highlighted in her 1959 testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee, where she staunchly refused to answer questions and challenged the committee’s authority.
In Los Angeles, during the 1960s, she founded the Che-Lumumba Club, an all-Black chapter of the CPUSA, working alongside Angela Davis to organize protests. Mitchell’s relocation to New York City in 1968 marked a pivotal moment in her political journey.
In 1968, Mitchell made history as the first Black woman to run for President of the United States as a third-party candidate. Representing the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), her running mate was Michael “Mike” Zagarell, the National Youth Director of the party. Though their names appeared on the ballots in only four states, it was a groundbreaking step.
Mitchell’s dedication to social justice further manifested when Angela Davis was arrested in 1970. Mitchell spearheaded efforts to support Davis’s defense, playing a crucial role in coordinating political and legal defenses. This effort was hailed as one of the most significant mass international campaigns of the 20th century.
Following Davis’s acquittal in 1972, Mitchell founded the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, focusing on issues related to police brutality and the legal system. She also actively campaigned for the defenses of Joan Little and the Wilmington Ten.
As the 1970s progressed, Mitchell’s activism turned towards anti-apartheid efforts. Her commitment to the cause led her to visit Nelson Mandela in South Africa after his release from prison in 1990, earning her recognition as “the Joan of Arc of Harlem” by James Baldwin in the 1980s.
In 1988, Mitchell ran as an Independent Progressive for U.S. Senator from New York, advocating for her ideals against the incumbent Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Despite her dedication, she received 0.2% of the vote, finishing fourth out of seven candidates.
Later Years and Legacy: Mitchell’s path took a new turn after the death of CPUSA member Henry Winston in 1986. She, along with other party members, questioned the party’s direction, eventually leading to a reform movement. Her association with the CPUSA ended in 1991, and she became an elected leader of the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism (CCDS) in the 1990s.
In 1993, Mitchell observed the Foro de São Paulo in Havana on behalf of the CCDS. The following year, she served as an official international observer during South Africa’s first democratic elections, a historic moment that marked Nelson Mandela’s election as president.
On a personal note, Mitchell married Bill Mitchell in 1950 and had a son in 1951. After their divorce, she married Michael Welch, with the marriage later ending. In 2007, she faced a health setback with a stroke.
Charlene Alexander Mitchell’s remarkable journey came to an end on December 14, 2022, when she passed away in New York City at the age of 92. Her enduring legacy remains a testament to her unwavering commitment to social justice, civil rights, and the pursuit of a more equitable society.
Selected Works:
- “The Fight to Free Angela Davis: Its Importance for the Working Class” (1972)
- “Equality: its time has come” (1985)