Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt and Others
5/1943
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The original caption for this photograph reads: "Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and others at the opening of Midway Hall, one of two residence halls built by the Public Buildings Administration of FWA for Negro government girls."
As a presidential advisor of African American Affairs during the Roosevelt administration, Mary McLeod Bethune formed the Federal Council of Negro Affairs, which would become known as the Black Cabinet. The Black Cabinet was instrumental in creating jobs for African Americans in Federal executive departments and New Deal agencies.
Bethune’s influence within the Roosevelt administration also allowed her to direct funds created by the New Deal program to Black people. Programs such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and National Youth Administration (NYA) were successful in employing over 300,000 African Americans during the Great Depression.
The original caption for this photograph uses the term "negro" to refer to Black people, which was commonly accepted in that era, but is outdated and inappropriate today.
As a presidential advisor of African American Affairs during the Roosevelt administration, Mary McLeod Bethune formed the Federal Council of Negro Affairs, which would become known as the Black Cabinet. The Black Cabinet was instrumental in creating jobs for African Americans in Federal executive departments and New Deal agencies.
Bethune’s influence within the Roosevelt administration also allowed her to direct funds created by the New Deal program to Black people. Programs such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and National Youth Administration (NYA) were successful in employing over 300,000 African Americans during the Great Depression.
The original caption for this photograph uses the term "negro" to refer to Black people, which was commonly accepted in that era, but is outdated and inappropriate today.
This primary source comes from the General Records of the Federal Works Agency.
National Archives Identifier: 533032
Full Citation: Photograph 162-PBA-10-F-5612; Mary McLeod Bethune, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and Others at the Opening of Midway Hall, One of Two Residence Halls Built by the Public Buildings Administration of FWA for Negro Government Girls; 5/1943; Photographs Illustrating the Activities of the Public Buildings Administration, 1939 - 1943; General Records of the Federal Works Agency, Record Group 162; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/opening-midway-hall, May 15, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.