House of Diggs

House of Diggs is a detailed biography and autobiography focusing on the life of Charles C. Diggs Jr., Michigan's first Black member of Congress. This volume 1 account examines his political career from 1951 to 1980, highlighting his role as a power broker during the civil rights movement. Diggs founded the Congressional Black Caucus, worked with Martin Luther King Jr., and championed the American anti-apartheid movement.

Author Marion Orr uses FBI documents and personal papers to analyze the strategic moderation Diggs employed to achieve legislative success. The text explores his efforts to restore home rule to Washington, DC, while contrasting his methods with other contemporary Black legislators. House of Diggs provides a comprehensive look at the rise and eventual fall of one of the most influential figures in American political history.