2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: President Franklin D. Roosevelt

President Franklin D. Roosevelt played a significant role in Black history during his time in office from 1933 to 1945. One of the signature achievements of his presidency was the New Deal, a series of programs and policies aimed at addressing the Great Depression. While the New Deal did not specifically target African Americans, it did benefit many Black Americans who were disproportionately affected by the economic crisis.

FDR also took steps towards advancing civil rights for African Americans. In 1939, he appointed the first Black cabinet member, Robert C. Weaver, as an adviser to the Secretary of the Interior. Additionally, Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802 in 1941, which banned discrimination in the defense industries and established the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC), aimed at promoting fair employment practices and preventing discrimination in hiring based on race, religion, or national origin.

Despite these positive steps, FDR's record on civil rights was mixed. He faced criticism for not doing more to combat racial discrimination and segregation in the South. The New Deal programs were often administered in a discriminatory manner, with many Black Americans facing obstacles in accessing relief and economic opportunities.

Overall, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's legacy in Black history is a complex one, as he made significant strides towards advancing civil rights for African Americans while also falling short in some areas.