Description
Book SynopsisBlack journalists have vigorously exercised their First Amendment right since the founding of Freedom''s Journal in 1827. World War II was no different in this regard, and Paul Alkebulan argues that it was the most important moment in the long history of that important institution. American historians have often postulated that WWII was a pivotal moment for the modern civil rights movement. This argument is partially based on the pressing need to convincingly appeal to the patriotism and self-interest of black citizens in the fight against fascism and its racial doctrines. This appeal would have to recognize long standing and well-known grievances of African Americans and offer some immediate resolution to these problems, such as increased access to better housing and improved job prospects. 230 African American newspapers were prime actors in this struggle. Black editors and journalists gave a coherent and organized voice to the legitimate aspirations and grievances of African America
Trade ReviewThe contributions of African Americans to WWII have often been neglected, as has the role of the black press. Retired historian Alkebulan provides a valuable addition to correcting this oversight. The black press was at its peak during WWII. There were 143 black-owned newspapers with a readership of more than 1.8 million. After the church, the black press was perhaps the most influential institution and opinion maker in the black community. Alkebulan traces the history of the black press and its role in both world wars. He also offers a superb synopsis of the contributions of blacks in WWII, from Dorie Miller (a black hero during the attack on Pearl Harbor), to the Tuskegee Airmen, to Ernest Wilkins (a black associate physicist who worked on the Manhattan Project), to black nurses. African Americans sought a double victory against fascism overseas and racism at home, even while fighting in a segregated military. WWII activism was exemplified by A. Philip Randolph's proposed march on Washington, which induced Franklin Roosevelt to issue an executive order banning discrimination by defense contractors receiving federal contracts. Outstanding. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. * CHOICE *
[This book] is a small but important step in recounting what is known about the black press during World War II. . . .It highlights the critical need for deeper analyses of the individual and collective efforts of black newspapers in the fight for racial equality. For this reason, Alkebulan's work is a noteworthy contribution to scholarship on the history of the black press. * Journal of Southern History *
This book provides a good overview of the black press in World War II. It would be an excellent choice as a reader for undergraduate history classes about that era. -- Patrick Washburn, Ohio University
Paul Alkebulan tells the story of World War II as seen through the lens of the black press. His briskly written narrative weaves together captivating stories to shed light on the nature of American democracy and the black struggle for inclusion in it. Using extensive excerpts from the leading black newspapers of the era, Alkebulan captures the voice of these ‘patriotic and intelligent’ but too-often ignored publications, and shows how they used the war to advance civil rights and to improve America. -- William G. Jordan, Philips Exeter Academy
Table of ContentsTable of Contents Acknowledgements… Introduction… Prologue… Chapter 1…From Alabama to Abyssinia… Chapter 2…The Saga of Dorie Miller… Chapter 3…Over There… Chapter 4…An End to Colonialism… Chapter 5…Over Here… Chapter 6…What We Fight For… Epilogue… Bibliography…
