Black Newspapers and America's War for Democracy, 1914-1920

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Journalism, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Discrimination & Race Relations, Cultural Studies, African-American Studies
Cover of the book Black Newspapers and America's War for Democracy, 1914-1920 by William G. Jordan, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William G. Jordan ISBN: 9780807875520
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: January 14, 2003
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: William G. Jordan
ISBN: 9780807875520
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: January 14, 2003
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book Debating Yoga and Mindfulness in Public Schools by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book Fertile Ground, Narrow Choices by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book No More Work by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book The Party of Eros by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book The Burden of White Supremacy by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book Insurgent Cuba by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book William Alexander Percy by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book Home Fires Burning by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book The Invention of Party Politics by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book Behind the White Picket Fence by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book From Working Girl to Working Mother by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book White Enough to Be American? by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book Seasons of Change by William G. Jordan
Cover of the book Catholic and Feminist by William G. Jordan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy