In July 1948 the 30th Democratic National Convention met in the Convention Hall in west Philadelphia. Among the policies incorporated into the Democratic platform was support for civil rights. Southern delegates were agitated by the strong backing of civil rights and the absence of states' rights from the platform.
On July 14, 1948, half of the Alabama delegation and all of Mississippi's delegates walked out of the convention in protest. These and other disgruntled southerners, known as Dixiecrats, later met in Birmingham and nominated Strom Thurmond for President. Despite their efforts, Harry Truman,the Democratic nominee, carried fifty percent of the popular vote and retained the Presidency.
From the description of Alabama delegates walkout of Democratic National Convention, 1948 [photograph]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122537587
