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| “They Can’t
Keep Us Down,” Chicago Defender, 1921 editorial cartoon |
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| Joe Louis, William J.
Powell at the Bessie Coleman Aero Club, 1930s photo |
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| Willa Brown, circa 1938
photo |
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| Hubert Julian with billboard,
“Colored Air Circus,” 1931 photo |
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| Eleanor Roosevelt, C.
Alfred Anderson, Tuskegee airplane ride, circa 1940 photo |
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Overcoming Obstacles—
How People Cause Social Change
| Introduction
| Step 1 | Step 2
| Step 3 |
Step 1—Learn about The “Double V” Campaign
The Pittsburgh Courier, a leading newspaper in the African
American community, developed the "Double V" campaign in 1942
to address readers’ concerns. Many blacks serving their
country both at home and abroad were frustrated by the segregation
they faced. In January 1942 the Courier
published a letter to the editor from reader James Thompson
in which he posed the question, Should I sacrifice my life to
live half American? (Print and read James Thompson's letter
to the Courier editor.) Mr. Thompson suggested that
while African Americans should concentrate, with all Americans,
on winning the war, they should not "lose sight of our fight
for true democracy at home." He argued that if the Allies were
using the "V for Victory" slogan to rally them to fight for
victory over tyranny, then blacks should have the "Double V"
for "democracy at home and abroad."
The Courier adopted the "Double V" and had a staff artist,
Wilbert L. Holloway, design a logo that was used for rest of
the war. All Negro press and civil rights organizations adopted
the "Double V" concept and slogan, and many white politicians
and organizations participated in the campaign as well. The
promotional campaign included bumper stickers, beauty pageants,
lapel pins, sweaters, and recordings. It gave African Americans
a way to express their whole-hearted support for the war effort
while reminding the rest of America that it must guarantee equal
opportunity for all. Take a look at the 1942 photo in the Black
Wings Collection. The "Double V" was one of the most extensive
patriotic drives in the country during World War II.
Learn About "Double V" On The Web
Visit the PBS web site for "Double V" information; go to the
section of this site on the history of the black press http://www.pbs.org/blackpress/news_bios/courier.html
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