Why We Should March (1941)

March on Washington Flyer:

This flyer was published by the African-American labor leader A. Philip Randolph's "March on Washington" movement. Civil Rights activists like Randolph had lobbied the Roosevelt administration for fair employment legislation and equal access to benefits, often with a powerful ally in the First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. As the economy showed signs of reviving to meet the demands of World War II armaments, Randolph saw a new opportunity to pressure the government. He began a highly publicized organization effort that aimed to get hundreds of thousands of blacks to march on Washington on July 1, 1941. The march was "postponed" (and never took place) after Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, banning discrimination in defense jobs and creating the Fair Employment Practices Committee. As you examine the flier, note what freedoms Randolph lists as priorities for his movement? How do they compare to Roosevelt's "four freedoms"?

"Winning Democracy for the Negro is Winning the War for Democracy"

A. PHILIP RANDOLPH

National Director

E. PAULINE MYERS

Executive Secretary

B. F. McLAURIN

National Secretary

National Headquarters

THERESA HOTEL BUILDING

2084 Seventh Avenue

New York, N.Y.

Monument 2-3350

How to Organize a Unit

March On Washington Movement

Objectives 1. To crystallize the mass consciousness of grievances and injustices against Negroes and project it into a Cause for which Negroes themselves will gladly and willingly suffer and sacrifice.

2. To re-educate white America on the question of equality for Negroes.

3. To enlist the support of liberal and christian white America in an all-out struggle for unadulterated democracy at home as well as abroad.

4. To operate by means of mass maneuvers and demonstrations.

National Headquarters

MARCH ON WASHINGTON MOVEMENT

Hotel Theresa Building

2084 Seventh Avenue

New York City

"Why Should We March?" flyer (1941); A. Philip Randolph Institute. Reprinted with permission.