Press Badge Worn By Ethel L. Payne

This press pass admitted journalist Ethel L. Payne (1911-1991) to the Republican National Convention held August 16-19, 1976 in Kansas City, Missouri. 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 honoring the U.S. Bicentennial: thirteen stars encircle “76” above vertical stripes. At the convention, Payne covered the nomination of Gerald R. Ford as the party’s pick 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.