Angelo Herndon

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Angelo Herndon (b. May 6, 1913 in Wyoming, Ohio). Herndon was born into a poor family, he endured racial discrimination even before he knew what it was: “One day I saw some white children at a game of marbles. Innocent of any evil thought or expectations, I joined their game. As my misfortune would have it, I shot all their marbles out of the ring. A white boy, livid with rage, called me a “nigger.” “Nigger?” I repeated, not understanding. “What does ‘nigger’ mean?”… “Do you want to know what ‘nigger’ means?” asked the white boy spitefully. “Let me show you.” Together with the other boys he began to pelt me with stones and I fled for dear life.” (Herndon 1937). His childhood experiences and his upbringing molded him into a man of distinction and valor. As Angelo got older his desire to overcome poverty, unemployment, and hunger eventually connected him to the Communist Party via the Unemployment Council. It was through the council and a white worker who gave him the Communist Manifesto that would eventually get him involved with social issues and even into prison. It was his involvement with the communist party that gave him national prominence. Herndon was an avid believer in the doctrine and the foundations of communism. He took this doctrine on the road and began a campaign to try to solicit membership across the county. He was sent from Kentucky to Georgia as a delegate to help organize the party and to solicit membership. While in Atlanta Herndon organized and participated in a hunger march. After a few days his hotel room was searched and materials with information about the communist party were found and he was detained and charged with the crime of violating an insurrection law of the state of Georgia. Herndon’s initial jail time was cut short when the International Labor Defense paid his bail. This freedom was short lived as an all white jury found Herndon guilty. He was sentenced to 18-20 years in prison. His case was appealed and Herndon was convicted for the second time by the Supreme Court of Georgia. It was not until 1937 that the decision was finally overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.