Communist Party Influence and Henry O. Mayfield's Activism
The history of political mobilization in the American South is marked by the efforts of individuals who sought to bridge the gap between labor rights and racial equality. One such figure was Henry O. Mayfield, whose recruitment into the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) by Hosea Hudson catalyzed a career dedicated to organizing Black workers and fighting for systemic civil liberties.
Mayfield's journey began at the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations), where he worked alongside Hudson with the primary objective of attracting Black workers to the labor movement. To ground himself in the ideology of the party, specifically the concept of self-determination—the right of a people to determine their own political status and form of government—Mayfield engaged in study groups. He read The Liberator with a circle of peers including John Beidel, West Hibbard, Joe Howard, Charles DeBardelebel, and Hudson.
Key Facts
- Henry O. Mayfield was a prominent member of the CPUSA and a District 17 bureau member.
- He served as a delegate to the national convention of the Communist Party in New York City in 1938.
- Mayfield helped establish CPUSA-led trade unions that specifically welcomed Black workers.
- He co-founded the Right to Vote Club to provide legal and procedural voting assistance.
- The CPUSA's 15-point program targeted police brutality, poll taxes, and federal housing.
- Mayfield was arrested in 1950 during Birmingham's "Anti-Red Drive" after Communist literature was found in his home.
Political Ascent and International Training
As Mayfield's commitment grew, his role within the party expanded. In the spring of 1932, he was appointed to the Southern Section Committee and later became a member of the District 17 bureau. These positions significantly increased his political influence and visibility within the organization.
His dedication led to an international opportunity when the party selected him to travel to Russia to attend a Communist training school, further refining his ideological approach to organizing.
Labor Organizing and Civil Rights Initiatives
Mayfield utilized his connections within the CIO to drive party-led initiatives. He encouraged members to engage with Communist publications such as the New South and the Daily Worker, and to attend nonunion political functions. One of his most significant contributions was the creation of trade unions led by the CPUSA that were open to Black workers, a progressive development for the era.
Because of his personality, Hosea Hudson entrusted Mayfield with the critical task of delivering party messages to prospective members across the South. This involved the distribution of leaflets detailing the party's 15-point program, which advocated for:
- Ending police brutality against people of color.
- The abolition of poll taxes (taxes required to be paid before one could vote).
- The establishment of federal housing.
- Universal voting rights for all citizens.
The Right to Vote Club
In pursuit of equal suffrage, Mayfield and his associates founded the Right to Vote Club. This organization focused on making legal and procedural voting information accessible to those being barred from the polls, primarily within the Black community. This initiative represented the first time the Communist Party developed a program centered specifically on equal voting rights.
| Area of Focus | Key Action/Achievement |
|---|---|
| Labor | Created CPUSA-led trade unions for Black workers |
| Political Outreach | Distributed the 15-point program leaflets in the South |
| Voting Rights | Co-founded the Right to Vote Club |
| Leadership | Delegate to the 1938 National Convention in NYC |
The Anti-Red Drive and Legal Challenges
The political climate shifted drastically in the mid-20th century. In 1950, Mayfield was targeted during Birmingham's "Anti-Red Drive," a campaign aimed at rooting out communist influence. During his arrest, authorities discovered Communist literature in his residence, marking a period of intense state scrutiny for party members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who recruited Henry O. Mayfield into the Communist Party?
He was recruited by Hosea Hudson, a colleague with whom he worked at the CIO to attract Black workers to the movement.
What was the purpose of the Right to Vote Club?
The club was designed to provide procedural and legal information about voting to help communities, particularly Black citizens, who were being barred from exercising their right to vote.
What were the goals of the CPUSA's 15-point program?
The program aimed to end poll taxes, confront police brutality against people of color, secure federal housing, and ensure voting rights for all citizens.
Why was Henry O. Mayfield arrested in 1950?
He was arrested as part of Birmingham's "Anti-Red Drive" after investigators found Communist literature at his home.
Which publications did Mayfield encourage others to read?
He promoted the reading of the New South and the Daily Worker, both of which were Communist newspapers.