<P> Because of extensive disenfranchisement of African Americans in the South, the powerful Southern Block in Congress represented only their white constituents . The black community from different sectors of the community began to form their own institution to address issues that pertain within the black experience . The National Negro Congress consisted mainly of Blacks, but not exclusively . </P> <P> In the course of discussions at the Joint Committee on National Recovery's (JCNR) conference in May 1935 on the economic status of African Americans under the New Deal, John P. Davis and Communist Party activist James W. Ford expressed the need to consolidate the strength of disparate organizations dedicated to fighting racial discrimination . The JCNR conference concluded by forming a committee of sixty prominent activists charged with organizing a National Negro Congress the following year . </P> <P> In February 1936, the first national meeting of the Congress was held in Chicago . It was a confluence of civic, civil rights, labor, and religious groups from across the nation; over 800 delegates representing 551 organizations and over 3 million constituents attended . A. Philip Randolph was elected President and John P. Davis was elected National Secretary . In keeping with their Popular Front orientation, the Communists in attendance did not attempt to hide their affiliation but consciously deferred to non-Communist delegates . </P> <P> The foundation of the National Negro Congress is therefore a result and a product of resistance used by the oppressed to confront the national government . Self - determination was a concept that was used as agency for protection against racism as explained in the purpose during the first National Negro Congress in February 1936: "The magnitude, complexity, and danger of the Negro's present condition demands the mobilization of overwhelming mass pressure and force, which can only be achieve through the agency of a National Negro Congress ." Analyzing the current conditions of their experience in the United States allowed African Americans to realize the failings of government institutions . The main leader, A. Philip Randolph, was instrumental in gathering not only socialists and communists but was able to organize massive popular participation by African Americans . By struggling against not only racism but capitalism, the leadership under Randolph was able to forge relationships with white workers and intellectuals . Bridging race gaps among black and white workers, the notion of segregation was often challenged . Issues such as class was a way for ethnic groups to bridge some differences; what was at stake was the root of the economic and political turmoil they were placed in: capital and capitalism . </P>

Who was at the helm of the national negro congress that convened in chicago in 1936