On the Media: The Famous Black Preacher Who Feuded With MLK

Podcast Information:
Title: On the Media
Host: WNYC Studios
Episode: The Famous Black Preacher Who Feuded With MLK
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Description: This episode delves into the life of Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaud, a prominent Black preacher whose influence waned amid the Civil Rights Movement and his fallout with Martin Luther King Jr.

Introduction to Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaud

The episode opens with a glimpse into the charismatic presence of Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaud, affectionately known as the "Happy am I" preacher. In 1934, Brooke Gladstone introduces Michaud as "the best known colored man in America," whose Sunday services captivated over 25 million listeners on CBS radio (00:02). Michaud was revered in Black America as a beacon for racial harmony and progress.

Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaud himself welcomes listeners with his signature optimism:
"Good morning. Is everybody happy? This is Elder Whitefoot Solomon Mishaw, the happy night preacher. Come this morning to tell you Jesus loves you." (02:10)

Rise to Prominence and Political Influence

Michaud's influence extended beyond the pulpit. Suzanne Smith, a history professor, explains Michaud's pivotal role in supporting Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential campaigns, underscoring his ability to sway African American voters:
"He decides to support Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his first election to the White House and go on the radio and encourage African Americans to vote and really brings in a lot of votes for him." (05:28)

This political engagement continued as Michaud built relationships with subsequent presidents. Dr. LaRone Martin highlights Michaud's strategic flattery towards President Truman:
"He writes to Truman and he says, you're God's man. And in fact look at your name. Your name says true man because you are a true man." (06:18)

Michaud’s efforts were further aimed at ensuring African Americans had a voice within the corridors of power, believing that insider status would best serve their community's interests:
"He sincerely believes that having insider status is what's going to help people of color the most. Not protesting power, but trying to work with power." (07:04)

Relationship with J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI

Michaud’s collaboration with J. Edgar Hoover, the long-serving FBI Director, is a significant aspect of his political maneuvering. Suzanne Smith notes:
"He starts communicating with J. Edgar Hoover... together we can make sure that communism doesn't get a foothold in this country." (08:00)

Michaud perceived the FBI as a Christian organization aligned with his values, believing this partnership would aid in safeguarding the nation against perceived threats like communism.

Shift During the Civil Rights Movement and Feud with MLK

The pivotal moment in Michaud's career emerged during the Civil Rights Movement, particularly after Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech in August 1963. Dr. LaRone Martin explains how Hoover viewed King's activism as a potential communist influence:
"Hoover is concerned about this. He believes that there is a communist conspiracy at root within the civil rights movement and particularly with Martin Luther King Jr." (08:25)

Michaud began to distance himself from the burgeoning movement led by King, maintaining his traditional message of happiness and divine providence over direct political action. His sermons reflected this stance:
"Don't worry about them in Alabama or anywhere else... get on your knees and pray for them. Amen." (09:21)

This approach put Michaud at odds with the more confrontational and proactive strategies advocated by King. Suzanne Smith observes:
"He becomes increasingly marginalized because he stood up against King." (11:17)

Decline in Popularity and Final Years

As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, Michaud's adherence to his "Happy am I" formula led to a decline in his popularity. While still broadcasting on CBS, his influence waned as listeners, both Black and white, began to favor the more dynamic and assertive voices of leaders like King. Dr. LaRone Martin notes:
"He didn't adjust. He stayed with the happy am I formula. And I think many of Americans at this time... began to not really enjoy the form." (11:40)

Despite attempts to maintain his audience, Michaud faced criticism from within the Black community for his reluctance to publicly support King:
"I've enjoyed his preaching. But you do not publicly attack Martin." (11:40)

In the final weeks of his life, Michaud's health declined. He suffered a stroke and passed away quietly in October 1968:
"If I go away, I'm coming back to receive you. All you've got to do is to keep on believing." (13:04)

Legacy and Conclusion

Elder Michaud's legacy is a complex interplay of pioneering media influence and the challenges of adapting to a changing socio-political landscape. While his popularity has faded, his contributions remain a testament to the power of media in shaping public discourse. Lillian Ashercraft Eason reflects on Michaud's enduring spiritual impact:
"He's sort of forgotten... there are no perfect people." (13:34)

Joseph Sturtevant emphasizes the lasting spiritual teachings of Michaud:
"There's only one Elder Mitchell. We just try to live according to the gospel that he preached when he told us is still true. He's not here, but the gospel is still here." (13:55)

The episode concludes by highlighting the preservation of Michaud's sermons in the Church of God's Monthly bulletin and archived recordings, ensuring that his voice continues to resonate with future generations.

Produced by Micah Hazel and the Radio Diaries Team
Special Thanks to Sarah Kate Kramer

Radio Diaries, a public radio documentary maker, has been instrumental in preserving intimate and rich historical narratives. Despite facing funding challenges, their work remains a vital resource for uncovering hidden histories and personal stories.

Key Takeaways

• Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaud was a pioneering Black radio preacher with immense influence in the mid-20th century.
• His strategic political endorsements played a significant role in shaping African American support for U.S. presidents.
• Michaud's collaboration with J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI reflects his complex navigation of power and protection for his community.
• During the Civil Rights Movement, Michaud's traditionalist approach and reluctance to align with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. led to his marginalization.
• His legacy is preserved through church records and archival recordings, highlighting the enduring impact of his spiritual messages despite his controversial political stances.

This episode of On the Media offers a nuanced exploration of Elder Michaud's life, illustrating the intricate relationship between media influence, political power, and social movements. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of a figure who once stood at the crossroads of faith, media, and politics during a pivotal era in American history.