African American History

African American Soldiers In World War II Helped Pave Way for Integration of US Military


1. What change came about in 1941
1A: They set up all-black combat units, as a experiment showing that blacks were just as useful in the military as whites.
 
2. Does the term “Double V” mean?
2A: It means two victories: victory against the enemy abroad, and victory against the enemy at home.
 
3. How was the Vietnam War different from World War II?
3A: They so how much better it was when white and blacks work together.
 
4. How do you think the pressure of being the first group of trained Black pilots affected the Tuskegee Airmen? 
4A: They Basically felt as if they had to prove something.

 3 Women Red Tails Left Out

1. How did Bethune’s position as the head of the “Negro Section” of the National Youth Administration (NYA) benefit “Red Tails”?
1A: She proved a relentless advocate for black equality and lobbied President Roosevelt to resist the demands of the Southern wing of the Democratic Party, which was hell-bent on maintaining segregation, especially in the military.

2. How did Willa Beatrice Browns position benefit “Red Tails”?   
2A: Brown was one of about 100 licensed black pilots in the entire country. She also became the first African-American woman to receive a commission as a lieutenant in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol.

3. What highly controversial action did First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt do that led to integration of aviation forces ?
3A: She asked the chief flight instructor, Charles A. "Chief" Anderson, to take her on a flight, against the adamant objections of the Secret Service.

4. Why do you think these women have been left out of history? How have the “Red Tails” been perceived in history?
4A: I think because people just looked passed it but i think these women are real important. They are perceived to be the reason that there are African American pilots.


Standing Tall on Giant Shoulders: Dovey Johnson Roundtree and her Debt to Mary McLeod Bethune 

1. How did Dovey Johnson Roundtree initially meet Dr. Bethune? 
1A: Dovey Roundtree’s connection to Bethune originated in the improbable friendship that Roundtree’s grandmother.

2. Whats Dr. Bethune’s opinion of military service?
2A: That everybody no matter skin color should be able to fight and serve there country.

3. What was Dr. Bethune’s position on African American inclusion in the war versus First Lady Roosevelt’s?
3A: Dr. Bethune and Mrs. Roosevelt wrestled over the thorny issue of the timing of black female officer admission.  The Army, fearful of racial trouble, had pulled back on its original promise to allow African American women into the first officer training class, and the First Lady shared that fear.
 
4. How did Mrs. Roundtree pay Dr. Bethune back?
4A:  She served as General Counsel, pro bono, to the National Council of Negro Women, the organization Bethune founded.
 
5. What was Dr. Bethune’s overall impact on Mrs. Roundtree’s life?
5A: Being A Mentor to Mrs. Roundtree.