Franklin D. Roosevelt played a significant role in Black history as the President of the United States during a crucial time in African American civil rights. While his New Deal policies aimed to alleviate the economic hardships of the Great Depression, many Black Americans were excluded from these benefits due to systemic racism and segregation.

However, Roosevelt took some actions that advanced the cause of civil rights for Black Americans. In 1941, he issued Executive Order 8802, which prohibited discrimination in defense industries and established the Fair Employment Practices Committee. This was a significant step towards ending segregation in the workforce and providing job opportunities for Black Americans.

Additionally, Roosevelt's wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, was a vocal advocate for civil rights and worked to bring attention to racial inequality in America. She often pushed her husband to take a stronger stance on civil rights issues.

Overall, Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency had a mixed impact on Black history. While his administration took steps towards advancing civil rights, there were also limitations to his policies and enforcement mechanisms that only began to address the systemic racism that persisted in American society.