2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: President Franklin D. Roosevelt

President Franklin D. Roosevelt played a significant role in Black history through his policies and actions during his time in office from 1933 to 1945. One of the most notable aspects of his presidency was his commitment to addressing racial inequality and discrimination faced by African Americans.

Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed to provide economic relief and recovery during the Great Depression, and many of these initiatives included provisions to benefit Black Americans. For example, the Public Works Administration (PWA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided employment opportunities for African Americans, although they often faced discrimination and segregation within these programs.

Roosevelt also established the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) in 1941 to monitor and enforce non-discriminatory hiring practices in defense industries during World War II. This was a significant step towards combating employment discrimination based on race.

Additionally, Roosevelt's administration launched the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which funded various cultural projects that provided work for African American artists, writers, musicians, and actors during the Great Depression.

Despite these efforts, Roosevelt faced criticism from civil rights leaders and activists for not doing enough to address racial injustice and segregation in the South. The president's focus on maintaining political alliances with Southern Democrats often limited his ability to push for more impactful civil rights legislation.

Overall, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency had a complex impact on Black history, with both positive advancements and limitations in the fight for racial equality and justice.