The Story of Clennon King: Declared Insane for Seeking Equality
Hey Family,
One of my main goals this year has been to focus on consistency. I'm committed to bringing you high-quality content about our shared history every single week—and I’m proud to say I’ve been hitting that mark! However, I’ve realised that consistency often comes with a trade-off: depth. Some of my research goes far beyond what I can fit into one video, and I don’t want you to miss out on those fascinating details.
That’s why I’m sharing this post with you. It’s my way of balancing consistency with deeper insights. Below, you’ll find additional information about Clennon Washington King, presented in a way that’s easy to digest. I’ve also attached a document with more in-depth research and references for those who want to dive deeper. It’s not required reading, but if you’re curious, it’s a great place to start!
Enjoy, and as always, stay blessed.
KK
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Clennon Washington King Jr. was a man whose audacity, brilliance, and outlandish behaviour made him both an icon and a subject of controversy in the Civil Rights era. His life, filled with remarkable achievements and puzzling contradictions, sheds light on the systemic injustice faced by African Americans and the personal complexities of those who fought against it. Born in Albany, Georgia, in 1920, King was the eldest of seven children. His father, Clennon King Sr., was a prominent activist and a chauffeur for Booker T. Washington, inspiring young Clennon’s defiance against racial injustice.
Early Life, Education, and Eccentricities
King pursued academic excellence, earning a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee Institute and a master’s in history from Case Western Reserve University. His early career saw him teaching at historically Black colleges, but his penchant for outlandish and polarising behaviour quickly made him a divisive figure.
In 1957, as a professor at Alcorn State University, King publicly criticised the NAACP for its integrationist stance, calling its members "Uncle Toms." His fiery rhetoric alienated allies and sparked student boycotts, leading to his dismissal. This defiance stemmed from his belief in Black self-reliance over integration—a position that clashed with the broader Civil Rights Movement.
But King’s eccentricities didn’t end there. He was known for his dramatic speeches, unfiltered criticism, and controversial actions that often left his supporters baffled. While some admired his boldness, others saw him as erratic, with behaviour that ranged from audacious to bizarre.
The University of Mississippi Incident
In 1958, King’s most infamous act of defiance unfolded when he attempted to enrol in the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for a graduate history programme. This bold move was unprecedented and deeply provocative in a state where segregation reigned supreme.
Upon arriving at Ole Miss, King was met by Governor J.P. Coleman, state troopers, and plainclothes officers. What followed was both outrageous and tragic: King was declared mentally ill and committed to a state mental asylum. The presiding judge justified this decision by claiming that any Black man who thought he could attend Ole Miss must be delusional.
During his two weeks in the asylum, King’s brother, civil rights lawyer C.B. King, fought tirelessly for his release. Even Martin Luther King Jr. intervened, writing to the governor on Clennon’s behalf. Although his enrolment attempt failed, it set the stage for James Meredith’s successful integration of Ole Miss four years later.
Later Life, Activism, and Outrageous Acts
King’s activism extended far beyond the Ole Miss incident. In 1960, he ran for President of the United States as a candidate for the Independent Afro-American Party. His campaign, which secured 1,485 votes, was symbolic of his unrelenting defiance against systemic racism.
But King’s eccentricity remained a hallmark of his life. In 1976, he attempted to desegregate Jimmy Carter’s all-white church in Plains, Georgia, staging a dramatic confrontation. In his later years, he founded organisations like the All Faiths Church of Divine Mission in Miami and even sought political asylum in countries like Cuba, Jamaica, and Mexico, citing persecution in the United States. These actions cemented his reputation as a fearless yet unpredictable figure.
King’s life was as much about challenging systemic injustice as it was about challenging conventional methods of activism. His unorthodox approach often left even his supporters wondering where boldness ended and recklessness began.
Timeline of Key Events
Clennon King’s Life
1920: Born in Albany, Georgia.
1957: Dismissed from Alcorn State University after criticising the NAACP.
1958: Applies to the University of Mississippi; declared insane and institutionalised.
1960: Runs for President on the Independent Afro-American Party ticket.
1976: Attempts to desegregate Jimmy Carter’s all-white church.
2000: Passes away in Miami, Florida.
Contextual Events in Civil Rights
1954: Brown v. Board of Education rules segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
1962: James Meredith successfully integrates the University of Mississippi.
1965: Voting Rights Act passes, addressing racial discrimination in voting.
Reflection Questions
What does Clennon King’s story reveal about the role of institutions in maintaining systemic racism?
Did King’s unorthodox methods contribute to or detract from his impact on the Civil Rights Movement?
Personal Reflection
In what ways can boldness and eccentricity work together in the fight for justice?
How does King’s story inspire you to reflect on the progress and ongoing challenges in the fight for equality?
Research Doc & References links:
Researching Clennon King's Impact (Si apre in una nuova finestra)
