William L. Patterson (1891–1980), executive director of the Civil Rights Congress, addressing the organization’s national conference

Once known as “Mister Civil Rights,” the attorney William L. Patterson is shown here (at the microphone) addressing members of the Civil Rights Congress (CRC) during their national conference. The Civil Rights Congress was a Communist Party-affiliated organization dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of African Americans and left-leaning activists. Formed in Detroit in 1946, its stated objectives were to defend constitutional liberties, human rights, and peace. Patterson, who also served as head of the International Labor Defense, led the CRC throughout its 10-year history. 

Patterson’s activism was wide-reaching and international in scope. While he served as head of the CRC, the organization prepared and submitted the petition “We Charge Genocide: The Crime of Government Against the Negro People” to the United Nations. The petition documented crimes against Black citizens in their own nation and asked that the United Nations hold the United States accountable.