Harlem Politics
“The Double V campaign was a slogan and drive to promote the fight for democracy in overseas campaigns and at the home front in the United States for African Americans during World War II. … The campaign first appeared in the African-American newspaper Pittsburgh Courier on February 7, 1942.”
“The insignia of the Double V campaign of 1942, designed by the Pittsburgh Courier, and supported by other African American newspapers elsewhere in the country. The Double V campaign demanded that African Americans, who were risking their lives abroad fighting for the Allies, should receive full citizenship rights at home in the United States.”
Library of Congress
http://c250.columbia.edu/c250_celebrates/harlem_history/pe_politics.html
(If the below link does not open, log in to EBSCO and retrieve. The “Pittsburgh Courier’s” Doable V Campaign in
1942 by Pat Washburn, 1981.)
Directions:
Read the dissertation presented by Pat Washburn in 1981, The “Pittsburgh Courier’s” Doable V Campaign in 1942.
1. In your own words, what is the premise for the Double V Campaign?
2. On pg. 3., James G. Thompson’s letter to the Pittsburgh Courier offers many reasons why victory overseas and victory abroad should be of equal value. Discuss three issues that he addressed (in the form of questions) that African Americans were facing during WWII. What are your thoughts on the points of inequality that he addresses in his questions? Do you agree or disagree with his questions? Why or why not? Give examples.
3. Discuss three issues within the dissertation that argue why some Black’s believed serving during WWII was necessary. Give your opinions in the discussion.
4. Discuss three issues within the dissertation that argue why some Blacks chose not to serve during WWII. Give your opinions in the discussion.
5. Do you agree that Blacks should have served or should not have served during WWII and why? Give your opinions in the discussion.
6. From what you read, do you believe the Double V Campaign was a successful campaign? Why or why not
