Untold Histories of Oscar and Jessie DePriest Pioneers of African American Political Activism
- Dolly L. Marshall
- Jul 3
- 9 min read
Oscar Stanton DePriest made history in 1929 as the first African American Congressman of the 20th century, representing Chicago's 1st congressional district. His wife, Jessie DePriest, was not just a supportive partner in his political endeavors but also an activist in her own right. Together, they fought against the horrors of lynching in America, pushing for anti-lynching legislation and raising awareness about the injustices faced by African Americans. Their story is a powerful example of commitment, courage, and the quest for equality during a tumultuous period in U.S. history.
The Significance of Oscar DePriest's Election
Oscar DePriest was born in 1871 in Florence, Alabama. His mother, Martha Karsner, worked part-time as a laundress, and his father Neander was a teamster, associated with the Exodusters movement. DePriest's election to Congress represented a seismic shift in American politics. He was a trailblazer who broke down racial barriers and opened the door for future African American politicians. Prior to his ascent, African Americans were largely absent from political offices, a situation exacerbated by Jim Crow laws and widespread racial discrimination.
DePriest came to Washington, D.C., at a time when the nation was grappling with the impacts of World War I and the societal changes it had triggered. The 1920s saw both the rise of the Harlem Renaissance and the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, reflecting the complex dynamics of race relations in America. DePriest's presence in Congress was a testament to the struggles and aspirations of African Americans during this era, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their political representation.
Jessie DePriest: More Than a Congressman's Wife
Jessie DePriest was born in 1870 in Rockford, Illinois, one of four daughters, her parents, Mary Ann Scott and James Williams, were originally from Pennsylvania. Her father James W. Williams served in the 47th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War.
Before marrying Oscar De Priest, Jessie worked as a music teacher in Rockford. and was an integral part of Oscar's political journey. She was not only a supportive spouse; she was an activist dedicated to social justice issues. Alongside her husband, Jessie worked tirelessly to promote anti-lynching legislation, highlighting the brutal realities faced by African Americans in the South and elsewhere. Their efforts were a part of a broader movement to combat racial violence and secure legal protections for Black citizens.
The couple’s activism reflected the urgency of their times. Lynching was a pervasive atrocity, and many activists spoke out against it. Although numerous anti-lynching bills were introduced in Congress, none were passed during their time. Jessie’s commitment to the cause further emphasized the role women played in the fight for civil rights, often behind the scenes, yet instrumental in pushing for social change.
Invited to the White House: A Historic Event
In 1929, Jessie DePriest was invited to a social tea hosted by First Lady Lou Hoover. This invitation was notable as it marked one of the first times an African American woman had been socially accepted in the White House since the famous dinner between Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt in 1901.
This invitation was, however, met with fierce backlash. The media and various segments of the public decried the invitation, showcasing the deep-seated racism that persisted in America despite the evolving social landscape. The uproar highlighted the challenges faced by African American politicians and their families—struggling not only to build political identities but also to navigate social acceptance in a prejudiced society.
The following excerpt is from Nancy Beck Young’s Lou Hoover: Activist First Lady, University of Kansas Press, 2004. The White House Historical Association provided a grant to support the book project.
Hoover’s quiet dedication and determination to treat all congressional spouses equally contradicted social conventions regarding how an elite white woman holding the position of first lady should behave. Thus, the DePriest tea controversy exposed numerous conflicting views about racial and gender etiquette in 1929. When Hoover purposefully positioned herself on the “wrong” side of that divide, she accumulated many critics who were only too willing to castigate her for other breaks with tradition. Such negative reactions to her entertaining agenda caused Hoover to balance her activist bent with a respect for tradition, especially with regard to White House social affairs.
The Backlash and Its Implications
The backlash against Jessie DePriest’s invitation to the White House is emblematic of the racial tensions in America during the late 1920s. It underscored the stigma attached to interracial interactions even in the highest echelons of government. Various newspapers published scathing articles that questioned Lou Hoover's judgment and criticized Jessie DePriest’s presence. The public reaction, however, indicated deep-seated opposition to equality for both African Americans and women. Several southern state legislatures passed resolutions of condemnation, a vast amount of mail was sent to the White House, and a significant outpouring of newspaper coverage followed the event. More important, Hoover’s dual strategy of including DePriest and avoiding offense to the white South failed. Southern criticism of the first lady ran the gamut from polite racism to snide remarks to bigoted speech. A Texas man cautioned that the DePriest tea:
“can only bring harm to the negroes of the South.…This kind of treatment of the negro does not set well with those of the southland, who love the negro in his place, but not at our dinner table.”
Letters written by people outside the South were equally racist and offensive. A Nebraska man informed the first lady:
“My WIFE and I are dumb-founded tonight to read in the papers that you have entertained a nigger lady.…It places them on equality with the CAUCASIAN RACE, and assists for the amalgamation of the races. I fear you do not understand the amount of damage you have done to this Country.”
This person believed that the White House was created for people with white skin:
“I had always thought the White House was for white people, and not Negroes, I would have thought you had just a little more pride than to put your self on the level with niggers, it is a crime to disgrace the White House.”
Only northern and liberal publications criticized the racism displayed after the tea. Both critics and supporters viewed Hoover’s actions as an initial move toward civil rights. A Pennsylvania woman who puzzled over the spread of racist behavior from the South into the District of Columbia called Lou Hoover a “noble, brave lady” and declared
“if we only had more women like yourself who would rise above this unholy prejudice, this false estimate of race differences, it would soon be forever banished from our midst. It would be of the things that have been and are no more. So I believe your heroic deed will help to emancipate human thought from the slavery of intellectual and moral prejudices.”[
Despite the negativity, Oscar and Jessie remained unwavering in their fight for justice. Congressman DePriest reported in the press that his wife had had a good time and had been treated courteously and with respect. Years later, Ruth Fesler said of the DePriest tea,
“It was a very momentous occasion. I remember the butler, Ellis—his eyes just popping as he passed the teacakes around. You can imagine what this meant to him—to see one of his race being entertained by the wife of the President, and he enjoyed it.”
The episode served as a reminder that while progress was being made, substantial obstacles remained. This political climate marked the beginning of increased scrutiny on African American leaders who dared to challenge the status quo. Articulating the challenges and implications of such events is crucial for understanding the progression of civil rights.
The Fight for Anti-Lynching Legislation
Oscar and Jessie DePriest, in their capacity as civic leaders, made significant strides toward combating lynching. Their advocacy sought to raise awareness about the brutality of lynching and the urgent need for legal reforms. Unfortunately, despite the couple’s tireless lobbying and the introduction of several bills, Congress failed to pass any anti-lynching legislation during their active years.
The efforts of Jessie and Oscar were part of a broader national movement advocating for civil rights. Their commitment to anti-lynching laws represented the anger and frustration of many African Americans who had long suffered from systemic violence unchecked by law. The couple's activism is an essential chapter in the untold histories of African American couples in politics, illustrating the hardships faced and the resilience exhibited by both partners.
The Impact of Their Legacy
The legacy of Oscar and Jessie DePriest extends beyond their era. Their struggle for civil rights, the fight against lynching, and Jessie’s groundbreaking invitation to the White House significantly influenced future generations of African American leaders.
Oscar DePriest's political career laid the groundwork for subsequent African Americans in Congress, while Jessie DePriest became a symbol of strength and resilience for women and activists alike. The DePriest family's dedication established a precedent in political engagement among Black Americans, fostering a legacy that continues to inspire activists to this day.
The DePriests' Summer 1929 Visit to Lawnside, New Jersey
During the summer of 1929, the DePriest family made a memorable visit to Lawnside, New Jersey. This small, historic town was known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for pioneering African Americans. Sharing the platform with the DePriests were many dignitaries and notable individuals, including Mount Peace Cemetery Association co-founder Benjamin M. Fernanders, editor of The Philadelphia Tribune E.D. Rhoads and Mrs. Rhoads, and prominent minister and orator Rev. W.H. Robinson, author of From Log Cabin to the Pulpit, or, Fifteen Years in Slavery. Their visit to Lawnside was not only a chance for relaxation but also an opportunity to engage with local residents and learn more about the town's history. Their engagement with the community and appreciation for its heritage contributed to a deeper understanding of the cultural dynamics at play during that era.
Empowering Women to Shape the Nation's Future
In Congressman DePriest's speech at Lawnside Park he said, "Educate the girls, that they may fit themselves for better positions, that they may take advantage of the privileges accorded them. For I thoroughly believe that the woman's hand will be the hand to shape the destiny of this glorious country."
Congressman DePriest's Vision for Women in Shaping the Future
In Congressman DePriest's impactful speech delivered at Lawnside Park, he emphasized the critical importance of educating girls, stating, "Educate the girls, that they may fit themselves for better positions, that they may take advantage of the privileges accorded them." This statement reflects not only his commitment to gender equality but also his profound understanding of the transformative power of education.
By advocating for the education of girls, DePriest recognized that empowering women is essential for the overall progress of society. DePriest further emphasized that education enables girls to "take advantage of the privileges accorded them." This statement points to the systemic barriers that have historically limited women's access to opportunities. In advocating for girls' education, he highlighted the importance of dismantling these barriers, ensuring that women have equal access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts. By doing so, society can benefit from a diverse range of perspectives and talents, ultimately driving innovation and progress.
The congressman's assertion that "the woman's hand will be the hand to shape the destiny of this glorious country" speaks volumes about his belief in the potential of women as leaders and change-makers. Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping communities, advocating for social justice, and driving political change. DePriest's vision acknowledges that when women are empowered through education, they are not only capable of improving their own lives but also of influencing the course of history.
The Societal Context of Their Activism
Jessie and Oscar DePriest operated within a societal context fraught with challenges. The Great Migration saw thousands of African Americans moving to urban centers, seeking better opportunities amid the oppressive Jim Crow laws of the South. As they settled in cities like Chicago and later Washington, D.C., their efforts in political arenas were indispensable in shaping the narrative around African American rights and representation.
Their story reflects the intersectionality of race and gender in the fight for civil rights. While Oscar was a pioneering politician, Jessie's contributions to social advocacy and community mobilization provided a counterbalance to his political endeavors. They embody a partnership that showcased the significance of collaboration in activism, proving that both men and women could work towards a common goal of equality.
Reflections on Modern Political Activism
Today, the fight for justice and equality continues, echoing the challenges faced by pioneers like Jessie and Oscar DePriest. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the ingredients necessary for effective activism: courage, partnership, and unwavering dedication to a cause.
As current movements grapple with issues of systemic racism, police brutality, and voting rights, the DePriests' commitment to anti-lynching laws reminds activists not just of the past losses but of the ongoing struggles. Understanding these untold histories enables contemporary activists to learn from the past while bringing new energy to fights for justice.
Conclusion
Congressman and Mrs. DePriest' lives illustrate the importance of recognition, advocacy, and resilience in the journey toward equality. As society continues grappling with issues of race and representation, revisiting the contributions of pioneers like the DePriests reminds everyone that the fight for justice is ongoing and that the sacrifices made by those who came before should inspire future generations.
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