Ep 4. 1909-WWII - Regardless of the Color of One's Skin

Emancipation Road is a powerful documentary series exploring the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America. In season 1, episode 4, entitled "1909-WWII - Regardless of the Color of One's Skin," the series delves into the period of American history spanning from the early 20th century to the end of World War II, a time of great social and political upheaval for African Americans.

The episode begins in 1909 with the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), an organization dedicated to fighting for the rights of Black Americans. The episode explores the various tools and tactics used by the NAACP to push for change, including legal action and advocacy efforts aimed at influencing public opinion. Viewers also hear from prominent figures at the time who lent their support to the cause, including journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells and scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois.

As the episode progresses, it highlights the many challenges faced by Black Americans during this period, including systemic discrimination and violence at the hands of white supremacists. Viewers get an inside look at the Red Summer of 1919, a series of race riots across the United States in which hundreds of Black Americans were killed. The episode also explores the impact of the Great Depression, which hit African Americans especially hard due to discrimination in employment and relief efforts.

Despite these challenges, Black Americans continued to fight for their rights and make strides forward. The episode explores the role of Black artwork and culture during this time, including the emergence of the Harlem Renaissance and the contributions of creative figures like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. It also highlights the accomplishments of Black athletes such as Jesse Owens, who famously won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, proving that Black bodies were inherently equal to those of white people.

Finally, the episode explores the impact of World War II on the Black community. Viewers hear from veterans who faced both discrimination and heroism during the war, such as the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black pilots in the U.S. military. The episode also examines the role of Black labor in the war effort, including the Great Migration, where Black workers moved in large numbers from the South to Northern and Western cities to fill the labor shortage.

Overall, "1909-WWII - Regardless of the Color of One's Skin" is a sweeping and informative episode of Emancipation Road, shedding light on an important and often overlooked period of American history and showcasing the resilience and determination of Black Americans in the face of adversity.