Press Badge Worn By Ethel L. Payne

1972

This press pass admitted journalist Ethel L. Payne (1911-1991) to the Republican National Convention held August 21-23, 1972 in Miami Beach, Florida. The two-part pin resembles a military medal worn on a uniform. Suspended by a white grosgrain ribbon, a metal rectangle hangs below a narrow bar. Embossing etches the word “Press” on the upper bar, while the lower one features a stylized flag with eight stars and horizonal stripes. At the convention, Payne covered the party’s nomination of Richard Nixon for the next presidential race. The longtime Washington, DC resident and political reporter became known as First Lady of the Black Press for her pioneering career.