Topic Overview

In the years before World War II, African Americans in many parts of the country, especially the South, were treated as second-class citizens. Discriminatory practices were condoned by the government, and African Americans were systematically denied many rights and liberties by laws that kept them in positions of inferiority. Due to the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision in 1896, the United States was a nation where “separate but equal” was law in many states. In addition, many military leaders declared African Americans unfit to serve in combat. However, once the war began, thousands rushed to enlist, determined to fight for freedom, while still being denied equality at home. More than 1.2 million Black servicemembers would take part in World War II, and nearly a million more worked in war industries at home.

In January 1942, James G. Thompson, a 26-year-old African American from Wichita, Kansas, wrote to the Black-owned Pittsburgh Courier to express his feelings about World War II. In a note above Thompson’s letter, the newspaper’s editor wrote: “A young man, confused and befuddled by all of this double talk about democracy and the defense of our way of life, is asking, like other young Negroes, some very pertinent questions. We reprint this letter in full because it is symbolic.

James G. Thompson, “Should I Sacrifice to Live ‘Half-American?’” Pittsburgh Courier, January 31, 1942.

Text of the Letter

Dear Editor:

Like all Americans my greatest desire at this time, this crucial point of our history, is a desire for complete victory over the forces of evil which threaten our existence today. Behind the desire is also a desire to serve this, my country, in the most advantageous way.

Most of our leaders are suggesting that we sacrifice every other ambition to this paramount one, victory. With this I agree; but I also wonder if another victory could not be achieved at the same time. After all the things that beset the world now are basically the same things which upset the equilibrium of national internally, states, countries, cities, homes and even the individual.

Being an American of dark complexion and some 26 years, these questions flash through my mind: “Should I sacrifice my life to live half American?” “Will things be better in the next generation for the peace to follow?” “Would it be demanding too much to demand full citizenship rights in exchange for the sacrificing of my life?” “Is the kind of America I know worth defending?” “Will America be a true and pure democracy after this war? “Will Colored Americans suffer still the indignities that have been so heaped upon them in the past?” These and other questions need answering: I want to know and I believe every colored American who is thinking, wants to know.

This may be the wrong time to broach such subjects, but haven’t all good things attained by men been secured through sacrifice during past such times of strife?

I suggest that while we keep defense and victory in the forefront that we don’t lose sight of our fight for true democracy at home.

Pittsburgh Courier, fair use image

The V for victory signs is being displayed prominently in all so-called democratic countries which are fighting for victory over aggression, slavery and tyranny. If this V sign means that to those now engaged in this great conflict then let we colored Americans adopt the double VV for a double victory. The first V for victory over our enemies from without, the second V for victory over our enemies from within. For surely those who perpetuate these ugly prejudices here are seeking to destroy our democratic form of government just as surely as the Axis forces.

This should not and would not lessen our efforts to bring this conflict to a successful conclusion: but should and would make us stronger to resist these evil forces which threaten us. America could become unified as never before and become truly the home of democracy.

In way of an answer to the foregoing question in a preceding paragraph I might say that there is no doubt that this country is worth defending: things will be different for the next generation: colored America will come into their own, and Americans will eventually become the true democracy it was designed to be. These things will become a reality in time; but not through any relaxation of the efforts to secure them.

In conclusion let me say that though these questions often permeate my mind, I love America and am willing to die for the America I know will someday become a reality.

James G. Thompson