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CHATTANOOGA TENNESSEE A CASE STUDY IN RACISM AND BLACK ON BLACK DISCRIMINATION

Contemporary Sodom and Gomorrah: Vice, Infamy, Judgment

Part 4: The Precedent of Treason: Walter C. Robinson

By 1911, with the establishment of the Commission form of Government, Black political involvement took a new direction. The Commission form of government stipulated that all officials would be elected in city-wide elections. As a voting minority Blacks were not able to elect any Black representatives. Meanwhile, the legacy of slavery and the control of Black people became a living reality in the hearts and minds of the White power structure.

Walter Robinson was chosen as the "****** Straw Boss in" 1928. Robinson began a tradition of sexual exploitation of Black women. Also, during Robinson's heyday gambling and other illegal activities became a part of the conspiracy to control the Black vote. The total control of the Black population would eventually produce a political/criminal economy. Therefore, Blacks during the height of Jim Crow moved to form a political partnership with racism, oppression and vice.

Thus, by 1928 a new political era came into existence. This period established "Precedents for Treason" and would last from 1928-1968. Ms. Rosa McGhee renders a description of Chattanooga politics during this period. (Transcripts of a taped interview, by Norman Bradley, Oral History Project Chattanooga Hamilton-County Public Library, Chattanooga, TN, June 2, 1982).

Ms. McGhee recalls her initial experience in Chattanooga politics during 1920-1930. Ms. McGhee notes: "During this period, Black politics involved being manipulated by the White power structure. This was the primary reason for my decision to resign from active political involvement."

Ms. McGhee's analysis of Black politics during this period is also evident in her recollections of the impact of Walter Robinson. Walter Robinson was a Truant Officer who was given the authority to hire and fire Blacks throughout the community. This concession gave him a strong power base to manipulate and control the Black Electorate in the interest of the City Fathers.

Walter C. Robinson dethroned Hiram Tyree in 1928. Mr. Tyree had been the political boss of the Fourth Ward since the turn of the century. Chattanooga's fourth Ward was noted to be one of the most powerful Republican precincts in the south. "It was estimated that this ward could swing a majority of approximately 1,200 to 2,000 voters in an election."

Robinson was a national figure in the Republican Party. He also organized the "Colored Voters League of Greater Chattanooga," September 1930. "All the Colored Wards of Chattanooga therefore came together hoping to get what recognition they could." Through Robinson's leadership the Voter's League was considered one of the most powerful political units in any state south of the Mason Dixon Line. "

Also, in 1930, Robinson initiated a newspaper called the Chattanooga Observer. Robinson planned to use this newspaper as a political weapon. Throughout the paper's existence, it remained the voice of Robinson's political philosophy and political campaigns.

Walter Caldwell Robinson died September 12, 1968. His obituary noted that he was born July 17, 1893 in Larkinsville, Alabama. Noted for his oratorical ability he became known and billed: "The silver-tongued orator." Walter Robinson worked with the Republican Party and served many terms as Vice Chairman of the powerful Fourth Ward. Robinson was an alternate delegate to several Republican national conventions. He also organized and served as president of the Voter's League of Greater Chattanooga until his health failed.

Mingo Scott notes the significance of Black political organizations during the Walter Robinson era. The impact of political leaders is also addressed in Professor Scott's analysis. The following quote by Professor Scott gives some evidence as to the stagnant and apathetic nature of Black political development in Chattanooga.

"In Chattanooga, it may be observed that Negroes were associated with both the Republican and Democratic parties. It may be further observed that the few who cast their votes made little demands for any considerable political rewards."

From Professor Scott's analysis, it is noted that although Black Chattanoogans participated in the electoral process, the process did not often benefit them. Meanwhile, the structure of city government limited Black participation. It is also important to note that the White power structure moved to assign and appoint Black leadership. I would argue that when Walter C. Robinson became the chairman of the Fourth Ward in 1928 he set precedents for the direction of Black leaders in Chattanooga. From all indications the description of Walter Robinson by Walter Tate is accurate. Mr. Tate in making an analysis of the Walter Robinson era notes the following:

"During this period the Republican party was in power. Blacks were told what to do. Mr. Robinson was cast in the mold of the old slave notion, as a driver." Walter Robinson was a means to control the Black electorate. His ultimate power resided in his total control over all Black employment in city government jobs. Consequently, any job of any significance sought by Black citizens had to have Robinson's approval. He used this leverage to recruit members for his political organization. Robinson organized the "Colored Voter's League of Greater Chattanooga," in 1930. This organization was composed of all Black ward chairmen. The Voters League also had constituent representatives from all Black wards, all Black professionals especially school teachers, were ordered to join as a criterion for employment in the school system."

In conclusion early political development in Chattanooga set precedents for Black leadership and Black organizations. The following factors reflect the precedents that were set: 1. The dominant population by 1911 concluded that independent Black political involvement was not in their best interest. 2. Legislation for at-large elections was incorporated to diminish Black elected officials. 3. Direct control of the Black electorate was deemed more effective by, the identification and control of Black leadership by the White power structure. 4. Black leadership was given power over the Black community through ultimate patronage power. 5. Black leadership established a broad based political organization to direct and control the Black electorate.

Cont. Part 5: The Control of Black Elected and Appointed Officials

Also see: The Black Preacher: The Shame of the Ministry http://home.joimail.com/~carlpatton/shameblackpreacher/

FreedomJournal Censorship http://home.joimail.com/~carlpatton/