United Front: The People's Convention 1991 Memphis

By 1991, it was evident that Memphis, TN would never have an African American Mayor without selecting a consensus candidate that would be supported by the entire community. A movement created by the late State Representative, Dedrick "Teddy" Withers" was formed to hold a People's Convention that would allow the citizens of Memphis to select such a candidate. The Convention was held at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis and was supported by people representing the majority of Memphis African American voters. Dr. W.W. Herenton was selected as the candidate. With the support of the citizens and Congressman Harold E. Ford, Herenton was elected Mayor of Memphis in 1992. It was only the second time in the history of Memphis where the African American community had come together on on accord. The other event was to morn the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, June in April of 1968.