african american history

Double V Campaign

A strategy by Black Americans during World War II to fight racism both domestically and overseas without risking accusations of disloyalty.

Black Women in the Workforce

During the war, black women were expected to do heavy lifting and work in factory positions, but were the first to be fired after the war.

Black Soldiers' Recognition

Black men received little to no credit for their work during the war compared to their white counterparts.

March on Washington

Black Americans organized to demand equal job opportunities and desegregation in the military.

Executive Order 8802

Issued by Roosevelt, made it illegal to discriminate in any defense work with the Federal Government, promoting equal job opportunities.

Demographic Shifts

More than 1.5 million blacks left the South during the 1940s for better job opportunities and to escape racial discrimination.

Journey of Reconciliation

One of the first direct action protests against Jim Crow laws, initiated by Black women to challenge segregation.

Desegregation in Sports

African Americans made strides in sports desegregation, with Moses Fleetwood Walker entering Major League Baseball and Althea Gibson in tennis.

GI Bill

Designed to help soldiers after the war, it led to redlining and limited opportunities for black soldiers, despite their service.

President's Committee on Civil Rights

Truman appointed this committee to address civil rights issues, but segregation in the military persisted despite Executive Order 9981.