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Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - IV. Economics - 19. The War Boom—and Thereafter - 3. Government Policy in Regard to the Negro in War Production - 4. The Negro in the Armed Forces
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Chapter 19. The War Boom—^and Thereafter 419
provided, according to allotment records available as of July 31, 1942,
was over 400,000, including trailers and accommodations for single persons
in dormitories. Some 30,000, or less than 8 per cent of this total, will be
used by Negro workers.*® The share for Negroes may seem high, in view
of the limited participation of Negroes in war production.* Negro sections
were, however, much more crowded to begin with than were the white
neighborhoods. Also, private builders seldom pay any attention at all to
the Negroes housing needs, which makes the Negro population much more
dependent on public efforts.
4. The Negro in the Armed Forces
The armed forces, today, constitute an important source of employment
for Negro as well as for white men. In terms of economic value they offer
some of the best opportunities open to many young Negro men. Food and
clothing are excellent; the pay is higher than that in many occupations
available to Negroes. And these conditions of employment are equal for
Negroes and whites. A great number of poor Negroes must have raised
their level of living considerably by entering the armed forces. It may be,
also, that service in the Army and in the Navy, in many instances, will
have a certain educational value**^ that will make many Negroes better
prepared for post-war employment.
This is the bright side of the picture. But there is a dark side. There has
been a definite reluctance to utilize Negroes in all branches of the armed
forces. Like white soldiers, they have been concentrated largely in the
South, where they have met hostile community attitudes. This policy, at
the same time, has increased the resentment of white Southerners against
Negroes. Several unpleasant incidents have occurred, particularly in or
around Southern camps. Except for certain officers^ training schools, there
is complete segregation in the armed forces. There has not even been an
attempt made to organize experimental unsegregated outfits, including such
whites who would volunteer for unsegregated service. All this has helped
to embitter the Negro. He feels that he is not wholeheartedly wanted by
white America even when he offers to fight for it.
When given adequate training—^and often even without it—the Negro
has proven to be a good soldier. He has fought in all the wars in which this
country has been engaged.*^ From every war there are numerous records
of Negroes who have distinguished themselves for bravery and gallantry.
Negroes cherish these memories. An outsider occasionally gets the impres-
sion that they sometimes exaggerate their significance; but this is very likely
just a natural human reaction in view of all the contempt Negroes have
experienced from most whites. White people, generally, know little or
* It will be recalled, on the other hand, that the Negro’s share in the building program
for low income families was as high as one-third. Sec Chapter 15, Section 6.
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