Born: 1874 (Sumter, South Carolina)
Biography:
Charlotta Amanda Spears Bass was an American educator, newspaper publisher-editor, and civil rights activist. She was born on February 14, 1874, to Hiram and Kate Spears. Although some sources suggest she was born in Little Compton, Rhode Island, others state that her birthplace was in Sumter, South Carolina. Charlotta was the sixth child of eleven and grew up in a family that valued education and community engagement.
Charlotta received her education from public schools and attended Pembroke College at Brown University for one semester. At the age of twenty, she moved to Providence, Rhode Island, to live with her brother Ellis. It was during this time that she began working for the Providence Watchman, a local Black newspaper, where she sold subscriptions to support the publication.
After working for the Providence Watchman for ten years, Charlotta moved to California at the age of 36 to improve her health. It was in California that she found herself working at the California Eagle, an African-American newspaper. Initially, she started by selling subscriptions for the publication but eventually took on the role of editor after the founder, John Neimore, passed away.
Under Charlotta’s leadership, the California Eagle became a renowned and influential newspaper within the African-American community. In 1912, she was joined by Joseph Bass, a fellow newspaper editor who shared her concerns about injustice and racial discrimination in society. The two developed a close bond and later married, running the California Eagle together.
Over time, the California Eagle grew to become the largest African-American newspaper on the West Coast, with a circulation of 60,000 and a staff of twelve. It played a crucial role in advocating for civil rights for African Americans, as well as highlighting issues such as housing rights, voting rights, and labor rights. The newspaper served as a platform for raising awareness of police brutality and harassment, aiming to bring about positive change and equality for all.
In 1952, Charlotta Bass made history when she became the first African-American woman nominated for Vice President of the United States. She was chosen as the candidate of the Progressive Party, breaking barriers and paving the way for future women of color in politics. Despite her remarkable achievement, Bass faced numerous challenges and accusations throughout her career.
Due to her activism and dedication to fighting for justice, Charlotta Bass was repeatedly accused of being involved with the Communist Party. These accusations lacked evidence, and Bass adamantly denied any affiliation. Nevertheless, she was monitored by the FBI, who considered her a potential security threat until she was in her nineties.
Charlotta Bass was a trailblazer, a woman who fearlessly spoke out against social injustices and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of African Americans. Her impact on society extended far beyond her role as a newspaper publisher and civil rights activist. She inspired others to stand up for their rights and played a significant role in shaping women’s history.