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Small Poor People's Campaign 1968 Poster
This poster is a historical artifact from the Poor People's Campaign of 1968, a movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The campaign was a multiracial effort to demand economic justice and an "Economic Bill of Rights" for impoverished Americans.
Artwork: The poster is based on an original charcoal illustration by the Atlanta-based artist Herman "Kofi" Bailey.
Purpose: It was commissioned by the SCLC just before King's assassination to promote the campaign.
The Campaign: The Poor People's Campaign involved a march on Washington, D.C., and the creation of a temporary settlement on the National Mall called "Resurrection City". The campaign aimed to pressure Congress to pass a $30 billion anti-poverty package.
Historical Context: The campaign proceeded under the leadership of Ralph Abernathy after King's assassination in April 1968. While the campaign did not achieve all of its legislative goals, it is credited with raising awareness about poverty and leading to some government reforms, such as increased food distribution and funding for low-income housing. |
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