dec 29, 1940 - Executive order 8802 in 1941

Description:

In response to the Randolph threat, Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802 in June 1941, banning discrimination in the defence industries.

A Fair Employment Practices Commission was set up to investigate complaints of discrimination. This had some effect. Black people were employed in aircraft industries for the first time; there was a 25% increase in those working in the iron and steel industry. In addition, the Roosevelt presidency did see the number of black federal government employees quadruple from 50,000 at the start of 1933 to 200,000 by 1945; the government under Roosevelt certainly did provide employment for black people on the basis of equality of opportunity.

Evidence of own actions and a sympathetic President.

Added to timeline:

Date: