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Student Article

Charlotta Bass: The Civil Rights Fighter Who Ran for U.S. Vice President

By: Sonia Grant
Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

In 1952, journalist and activist Charlotta Bass became the first woman of color to be nominated for U.S. vice president, challenging racism, injustice, and even FBI surveillance.

The article "Charlotta Bass: The Civil Rights Fighter Who Ran for U.S. Vice President" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a compelling story about Charlotta Bass, the first Black woman to run for vice president in the U.S. It traces her journey from journalist to political pioneer, highlighting her activism, bravery against the Ku Klux Klan, and surveillance by the FBI during the height of the civil rights movement.
Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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Photograph of Charlotta Bass standing
© National Women’s History Museum

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 860–980L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000–1100L
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