Congressman Vito Marcantonio (1934 to 1950): Champion for Civil Rights Vito Marcantonio, who represented East Harlem for seven terms, from 1934 to 1950, as the sole Congressman of the American Labor Party, distinguished himself for his effective leadership as a national spokesperson of the Left. Closely allied with the Communist Party, Marcantonio played major roles defending and advancing the progressive agenda. This panel is devoted to Marcantonio’s extraordinary work in the fight for civil rights, both in Congress and in his political work. Specific aspects of his heroic efforts include: sponsoring legislation to abolish the poll tax, recognize lynching as a federal crime, and enact the Federal Fair Employment Act as well as his fight to integrate the blood banks and his support for the postwar petition to the United Nations charging the United States government with genocide against the African-American people. The panel will also look at his work to aid individual African-American constituents. Lastly, the panel will analyze how Marc’s political and rhetorical style contributed to a long series of successes that were achieved, most often, under highly unfavorable circumstances. Panellists include: Dr. Gerald Meyer, Co-Founder and Co-Chair Vito Marcantonio Forum Roberto Ragone, Co-Founder and Co-Chair Vito Marcantonio Forum Gil Fagiani, (Speaker and Moderator), Founding Member of the Vito Marcantonio Forum.

Reading List:

-Dr. Gerald Meyer's book - Vito Marcantonio: Radical Politician (1902-1954)

-Alan Schaeffer's book - Vito Marcantonio: Radical in Congress

-I Vote My Conscience: The Writings, Speeches, and Debates of Vito Marcantonio (Edited by Annette Rubinstein)

-Italian Harlem's Biggest Funeral (Essay) by Dr.Gerald Meyer -vitomarcantonioforum.org