Overview
How the black press enlisted public support for racial justice during World War I During World War I, the publishers of America's crusading black newspapers faced a difficult dilemma. Would it be better to advance the interests of African Americans by affirming their patriotism and offering support of President Wilson's war for democracy in Europe, or should they demand that the government take concrete steps to stop the lynching, segregation, and disfranchisement of blacks at home as a condition of their participation in the war? This study of their efforts to resolve that dilemma offers important insights into the nature of black protest, race relations, and the role of the press in a republican system. William Jordan shows that before, during, and after the war, the black press engaged in a delicate and dangerous dance with the federal government and white America - at times making demands or holding firm, sometimes pledging loyalty, occasionally giving in. But although others have argued that the black press compromised too much, Jordan demonstrates that, given the circumstances, its strategic combination of protest and accommodation was remarkably effective. While resisting persistent threats of censorship, the black press consistently worked at educating America about the need for racial justice.
Full Product Details
Author: William G. Jordan
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Edition: New edition
Dimensions:
Width: 15.50cm
, Height: 1.40cm
, Length: 23.30cm
Weight: 0.358kg
ISBN: 9780807849361
ISBN 10: 0807849367
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 31 May 2001
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
General/trade
,
Undergraduate
,
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Out of stock
The supplier is temporarily out of stock of this item. It will be ordered for you on backorder and shipped when it becomes available.
Reviews
In original explorations of homefront issues from Du Bois's call for 'Close Ranks' to anti-lynching protest, Jordan reveals blacks and whites' common but contested civic vocabulary as well as regional variations in black editorial strategy. (Raymond Gavins, Duke University)
"Excellent, well-written text. (""Choice"") In original explorations of homefront issues from Du Bois's call for 'Close Ranks' to anti-lynching protest, Jordan reveals blacks and whites' common but contested civic vocabulary as well as regional variations in black editorial strategy. (Raymond Gavins, Duke University) This imaginative, rigorous book demonstrates how studying the African American media can illuminate American history in extraordinary ways. (Susan Herbst, Northwestern University)"
Author Information
William G. Jordan teaches history and is adviser to the student newspaper at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire.
