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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Executive Order 8802 Poster
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Executive Order 8802 Poster

Artifact IDMO 2005.13.40.75
Object Type Poster
Maker (American, founded 1861)
Date1942
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 26 in x W 21 1/4 in (66 cm x 54 cm )
Physical DescriptionA poster in recognition of Executive Order 8802 issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 25, 1941. The blue poster with white text has the Seal of the President of the United States at the top and the words: EXECUTIVE ORDER 8802 / FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE / IN DEFENSE INDUSTRIES. This is followed by an excerpt from the Executive Order regarding the restriction of discrimination in the employment of defense workers. FDR's facsimile signature is at the bottom along with: THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / THE WHITE HOUSE / JUNE 25, 1941. Additional small text in the bottom margin reads: U.S. Government Printing Office: 1942-O-461873.
Historical NoteOne week after the White House meeting a compromise was reached. FDR would issue an executive order banning racial discrimination in the hiring of workers in all industries engaged in defense production. The order would also contain general—but not binding—language opposing discrimination in the Federal government. This carefully crafted wording satisfied most sides, including Eleanor Roosevelt, who encouraged Randolph to accept the deal. FDR signed Executive Order 8802 on June 25, 1941. In return, Randolph agreed to indefinitely postpone the March on Washington. Although EO 8802 was issued grudgingly by FDR, it is viewed today as an important step in the early civil rights movement and helped bring the economic benefits of the wartime boom to Black Americans.

A facsimile of this poster is currently on display in the FDR Library's special exhibition, BLACK AMERICANS, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND THE ROOSEVELTS, 1932-1962.
Additional Details
Credit LineGift of the Adriance Memorial Library
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesOriginal Posters from World War I and World War II (National Archives Identifier 739394)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
On view