Double V campaign

The Double V campaign, initiated by the Pittsburgh Courier from February 1942, was a drive to promote the fight for democracy in overseas campaigns and at the home front in the United States for African Americans during World War II. The idea of the Double V originated from a letter written by James G. Thompson on January 31, 1942. In the letter, Thompson refers to the "V for victory" sign prominently displayed by countries fighting "for victory over aggression, slavery, and tyranny," but proposes the adoption of a second 'V' for African Americans fighting for freedom overseas and at home, "the first V for victory over our enemies from without, the second V for victory over our enemies from within." Pitched as "Democracy – Double Victory, At Home – Abroad," the campaign highlighted the risks Black soldiers and civilians took while participating in America's struggle against the Axis powers while being denied their rights as full American citizens back home.