06/25/2026
in 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, which banned “discrimination in the employment of workers in defense industries and in Government, because of race, creed, color, or national origin.”
Before having direct involvement with WWII, the US acted as a supplier to the Allied Powers. This economic boost meant millions of jobs were being created across the country, but African Americans were met with discrimination and unequitable opportunity.
Notable advocacy and civil rights leaders like A. Philip Randolph, Walter White, and Mary McLeod Bethune knew a change needed to come. Randolph and several leaders met with the President’s cabinet, presenting them with a list of grievances and demands - the most pressing demand being an executive order to stop the discrimination in hiring, especially in the defense industry. With war looming around the corner, Roosevelt didn’t have civil rights at the forefront of his mind. It wasn’t until after Randolph organized and threatened to have tens of thousands of African Americans march to the capital that Roosevelt issued the order. Wanting to stay in political good graces and keep public opinion positive, Roosevelt had no option but to sign the order.
📸 EO 8802 from the National Archives
