President Franklin D. Roosevelt played a significant role in Black history through his policies and actions during his time in office. During his presidency, Roosevelt initiated several programs as part of his New Deal to combat the Great Depression, many of which had a positive impact on African Americans.

One of the most well-known programs that benefited African Americans was the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided jobs for millions of unemployed Americans, including many Black workers. Roosevelt also signed Executive Order 8802 in 1941, which prohibited racial discrimination in defense industries and federal agencies, helping to pave the way for greater equality in the workforce.

Additionally, Roosevelt appointed several prominent African Americans to key positions within his administration, including Mary McLeod Bethune, who served as the director of the Division of Negro Affairs in the National Youth Administration.

While Roosevelt's presidency was not without its shortcomings in terms of addressing racial inequality, his policies and actions helped to advance the cause of civil rights for African Americans during a crucial time in American history.