The Double V Movement

During World War II a movement began. This movement was largely known as the Double Victory or Double V movement. It was used by the African American community who had been downtrodden to gain equal rights. In hopes of gaining equal rights blacks joined the war effort in any way that they could. May that be supply transport or flying a plane, they gave what they had to America through the war. During their enlistment Blacks faced intense discrimination, arguably worse there than back home. Black men and women contributed to the war effort to earn respect despite the hate, racism and violence that loomed over their shoulders, and they opened the minds of plenty of people while doing it.
Not only was the black soldier subject to danger overseas, …show more content…
However, black soldiers often found themselves performing noncombat roles such as equipment management. Due to the constant threat of German saboteurs the army ordered that “all white soldiers off the street at night and assigned black soldiers to do patrol duty. ‘If there was a white person out at night,’ said a black, ‘we had orders to pick him up or shoot him.’” (Bomb the Color Line 32) Although extremely effective, it does not excuse the blatant racism. Instead of exploring other alternatives such as a visible addition to the uniform of a guard on patrol duty or possibly using identification phrases, it was decided that guards would be black because it is easier. Furthermore, the Air Force did not allow black pilots until July of 1940. The Air Force did not want blacks flying because “blacks were not smart enough to be pilots.” (Bomb the Color Line 33) This statement may seem absolutely ridiculous, that is because it is. This statement was issued simply because the Air Force did not want blacks flying with them. Despite all of the adversity the African American faced, he still fought valiantly and was recognized for it, General Ira C. Aeker, who was in charge of all Air Force operations in the Mediterranean said, “By the magnificent showing your flyers have made since coming to this theatre… have earned the opportunity to apply your talents to much …show more content…
The military created the W.A.C (Women’s Auxiliary Corps) so that women could contribute to the war effort. When asked why she enlisted, Elaine Bennet said “I wanted to prove to myself, and maybe the world, that we [African Americans] would give what we had back to the United States as a confirmation that we were full-fledged citizens.” (Bomb the Color Line 36) Often times it is said that those who join the military did so because there were no other options. However, Elaine Bennet joins the W.A.C for a noble cause. After hundreds of years of being told that her race is not good enough, Bennet sets out to prove to the world and even to herself that she and her race is equal everyone else. It is fair to say that she succeeded. When traveling by train in uniform, a W.A.C by the name of Charity Adams Early was denied entrance to the dining car after it had been announced that all in uniform will go first. Just when she is about to return to her seat she recalls, “Suddenly from behind me, a white Lieutenant shouted: ‘Well what the hell do you think that is what she’s got on? Get your arm down before I break it off for you.’” (Bomb the Color Line 36) This Lieutenant was clearly familiar with the capabilities of African Americans. Had he been unfamiliar he may very well had kept his mouth shut. In addition to this, Lucia M. Pitts recalls “In the evening, two white girls, one from Georgia and one from Virginia came