Jessie De Priest tea at the White House

Jessie DePriest

Jessie De Priest tea at the White House refers to a significant event in United States history that took place on June 12, 1929. This event became a focal point of national controversy and discussion about race relations in America. The tea was hosted by First Lady Lou Henry Hoover for the wives of members of Congress. Among the guests was Jessie De Priest, the African-American wife of Oscar De Priest, the only African-American member of Congress at the time.

Background

Oscar De Priest was a Republican Congressman from Chicago, representing Illinois' 1st congressional district. His election to Congress in 1928 marked the first time an African American had been elected to the House of Representatives in the 20th century. The De Priests' invitation to the White House was a significant event, given the racial attitudes prevalent in the United States at the time, particularly the strict segregation laws and practices known as Jim Crow laws.

The Tea

The tea hosted by First Lady Lou Henry Hoover was part of a series of teas she held for the wives of Congress members. The inclusion of Jessie De Priest in one of these events was a deliberate act by the First Lady to adhere to her belief in racial equality and to challenge the norms of segregation. The event was small and intimate, with around a dozen guests in attendance.

Aftermath and Controversy

The news of Jessie De Priest's attendance at the tea at the White House quickly spread and sparked a national controversy. In the South, where segregation was deeply entrenched, the invitation was met with outrage. Several Southern congressmen and public figures publicly condemned the First Lady and the Hoover administration for what they saw as a breach of racial protocols. The incident highlighted the deep racial divisions within the country and the challenges faced by African Americans in the fight for equality.

Legacy

The Jessie De Priest tea at the White House remains an important event in the history of civil rights in the United States. It is seen as an early instance of the White House challenging the norms of racial segregation and discrimination, albeit in a relatively subtle and private manner. The event also underscores the role of the First Lady in influencing public policy and social norms, as well as the significant obstacles faced by African Americans in the early 20th century.