Biography
Augustus Swift was one of four Black Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees arrested at the Cohasset camp near Chico, California, in May 1935. After weeks of discrimination, white enrollees attacked the camp's Black youths with bricks and clubs. Swift, Cornelius Smith, John Boyd and Donald Johnson were charged with assault with a deadly weapon after defending themselves. The International Labor Defense retained Leo Gallagher and organized protests. The serious charge was dropped, but the four pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace and received suspended sentences.
