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STUDENT HANDOUT 4-THE STORY OF DAISY LAMPKIN

AND AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN THE WAR

Daisy Lampkin was born in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1888. She became one of the best-known leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She dedicated her life to gaining equal rights for women and African Americans.

World War II had a tremendous impact on African Americans and black Pennsylvanians. Because so many more people were needed to work in factories during the war, many African Americans moved from the South to cities with a lot of industry like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Despite our countries’ need for skilled workers, African Americans continued to find themselves assigned to less important jobs while less skilled white workers were getting promotions. Equal rights leaders, like Daisy Lampkin, worked to get equal rights for these workers. To prevent the African American workers from leaving their jobs, President Roosevelt issued a series of orders banning discrimination in all plants that were helping with the war. However, African Americans continued to be treated poorly.

To help win the war, the federal government needed money from the American people. In 1941, NAACP leaders began asking African Americans to raise money for their country. Daisy Lampkin raised over 2 million dollars worth of Liberty bonds to help with the war.

Many African Americans wanted to help out with the war any way they could. They signed up only to find they had to fight discrimination in the military as well as the enemy overseas. Others were unwilling to help out a country that did not provide them with equal rights and treated them poorly. Some black leaders argued that they were not given full rights at home, so why should they go overseas and risk their life for the United States. Equal rights leaders like Daisy Lampkin urged African Americans to help out their country now, so the country would be more willing to give them more equal rights later.

In 1945 the NAACP voted Lampkin its Woman of the Year honoring her hard work. Many years later, in 1983, Daisy Lampkin would be honored with a Pennsylvania historical marker. She would be the first African American woman to be honored in this way.

“Adapted from ExplorePAhistory Historical Marker essay of Daisy Lampkin”

Daisy Lampkin and Alma Illery with a group of girls, c. 1940-45

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Daisy Lampkin (d. 1965) in white hat, and Alma Illery (d. 1972) talking with young girls in an interior thought to be on Wylie Avenue. Daisy Lampkin, political and social activist, served as national field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1935 to1947 and also worked as vice president of the Pittsburgh Courier. Alma Illery, tireless community worker, helped integrate hospitals in the 1940s, founded the Achievement Club, and ran Camp Achievement for many years. The Alma Illery Health Center on Hamilton Avenue in Homewood is named after her. Styles of clothing suggest a date ca. 1940-1945.

Courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Art, Gift of the Estate of Charles “Teenie” Harris, 1996.69.452

Ruth Gwynnon, Organizer of the Campaign, and Other

Women Selling War Bonds

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A group of women dressed in military clothing stand under sign, which reads 'Back The Attack-Buy Bonds.' During World War II these women took the forefront on campaigning to other African Americans to buy bonds from the government to support the United States military. On the far right is Ruth Gwynnon, who organized this campaign. Photograph taken circa (around) 1939-1945.

Courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Art, Second Century Acquisition Fund and gift of Milton and Nancy Washington, 1996.55.7

World War II War Bond

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Here is an example of what Daisy Lampkin, Ruth Gwynnon, and other campaigners were selling-- war bonds. Bonds are when you give the government your money now, and they use it and will repay it to you later with a little more money added on (called interest).

Above and Beyond Recruitment Poster

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by David Stone Martin

At the beginning of the war, African Americans could join the Navy but could serve only as messmen. Doris ("Dorie") Miller joined the Navy and was in service on board the U.S.S. West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Restricted to the position of messman, he received no gunnery training. But during the attack, at great personal risk, he manned the weapon of a fallen gunman and succeeded in hitting Japanese planes. He was awarded the Navy Cross, but only after persistent pressure from the black press.

Courtesy NARA Still Picture Branch (NWDNS-208-PMP-68)

African American Men in the Navy

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This gun crew of six African Americans were honored with the Navy Cross for standing by their gun.

Courtesy of the United States Marines

African American Soldiers in the Field

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Six African American soldiers gather in the field during World War II.

Courtesy of the United States Marines

United We Win

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Photograph by Alexander Liberman, 1943. This World War II poster shows an image of an African American working side-by-side with a white person. A patriotic flag colors the background. This poster emphasizes the importance of unity in order to win the war.

Courtesy NARA Still Picture Branch

(NWDNS-44-PA-370)

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