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Small political poster historic political artifact related to comedian and civil rights activist
Dick Gregory's 1968 U.S. Presidential write-in campaign. It was designed in the style of a "Wanted" poster, but with the word "NEEDED" to parody the format.
Context
Candidate: Dick Gregory, a prominent comedian, social critic, and activist.
Election: Gregory ran as a write-in candidate for the Freedom and Peace Party in the 1968 U.S. Presidential election, critiquing the two-party system and the Vietnam War.
"President in Exile": Following Richard Nixon's election, Gregory held a mock inauguration ceremony on March 4, 1969, where he declared himself "President of the United States in Exile". This was a symbolic protest against the administration's perceived failure to address social justice and human needs.
Significance: The poster is considered an important piece of Black political history and counter-culture art, with copies held in institutions like the Library of Congress. |
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