Political Meetings in the Chicago “Black Belt†1

Political meetings constitute one of the means employed by the Negro political leaders in Chicago to develop and maintain party morale. The Republican rallies in the second and third wards are unique affairs, not to be duplicated in other parts of the city. The political meetings have taken over some of the patterns of religious revivals or camp meetings. A party gathering which is not packed and which does not stir up an emotional response is looked upon as very unusual. The audience is attentive, enthusiastic, patient, good natured, and content to sit for many hours on uncomfortable seats. When a speaker says something which strikes a popular chord, the listeners shout, clap, or wave programs, hats, or hands in the air.