African Americans in the WPA Theatre

Above: African Americans could find stagehand jobs in the WPA Theatre. Though some have criticized the WPA for not doing enough for African Americans, it nevertheless opened up many opportunities for them. It must also be remembered that President Roosevelt needed the support of Southern Democrats for other New Deal initiatives, and Southern Democrats, during those days, were quite racist. Thus, Roosevelt had to pick and choose his battles. Image courtesy of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.

Above: African Americans could also find acting jobs in the WPA Theatre, either in regular productions or the "Negro Unit." Image courtesy of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.

Above: Some members of Congress did not approve of the racial mixing that occurred in the WPA Theatre, whether it was on stage or in the audience. Image courtesy of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.

Above: A WPA poster advertising a "Negro Theatre Production." Image courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.)