By LZ Granderson / Los Angeles TimesOne of the most important political stories in American history — one that is particularly germane to our current, tumultuous time — unfolded in Los Angeles some 65 years ago. While his faith made party leaders nervous, they were downright afraid of the impact a civil rights protest during the Democratic National Convention could have on November’s election. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was also a warrior for civil rights, but the House representative preferred the legislative approach, where backroom deals were quietly made and his power most concentrated. LZ Granderson is an opinion columnist for the Los Angeles Times. ©2026 Los Angeles Times, latimes.com.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 19, 2026 09:34 UTC