Description
Born in Meridian, MississippiJames Chaney's mother was a domestic servant and his father was a plasterer. He became involved in the civil rights struggle while still in high school, and was suspended for a week from his Catholic school for wearing a paper badge with "N.A.A.C.P" on it. In October 1963 he volunteered at the Meridian office of CORE, and the following summer impressed Michael Schwerner, who had been made head of the office. Schwerner recommended Chaney for a full-time post with CORE. During that summer Chaney became involved with CORE's "Freedom Summer" campaign.
Image
Screenprint
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution