The Role Of African-Americans During World War II
During World War II many African-Americans moved North to take advantage of the many jobs. This migration continued throughout the 50s and 60s. In the North African-Americans increased their voting strength. When African-American soldiers returned home they also wanted to end racial discrimination. Their fight would have a small victory because in 1948 Harry S. Truman ordered the desegregation of the armed forces and called for federal laws to advance civil rights. Even though Congress rejected his appeals for legislation, this was the first time since Reconstruction that a president had made a move towards desegregation. In the 1940s many were ready for an end to school segregation. These people had their homes and churches burned and many
attempts were made to kill African-American organizers. By 1950, the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund decided to battle racial segregation through the courts. The Fund’s efforts led to the landmark 1954 ruling in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. (Patterson). The Supreme Court declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. This was the beginning of the civil rights movement.
attempts were made to kill African-American organizers. By 1950, the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund decided to battle racial segregation through the courts. The Fund’s efforts led to the landmark 1954 ruling in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. (Patterson). The Supreme Court declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. This was the beginning of the civil rights movement.