"NEGRO AMERICANS ARE SCATTERED TO THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE WORLD, FIGHTING TO PRESERVE DEMOCRACY AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE"

TILGHMAN, Charles, publisher, and WATKINS, Ben and LINCE, George A., editors. We Also Serve. Armed Forces Edition 1945. Berkeley, California: Tilghman Press, 1945. Slim quarto, staple-bound as issued, original photographic paper wrappers. $850.

First edition of this scarce issue of Tilghman's groundbreaking periodical on the contributions of African Americans to the war effort during World War II.

In the 1940s, there was a massive migration of African Americans to Oakland and the Bay Area due to rumors of new employment opportunities as well as active government recruitment to the war industries. While there was still active social discrimination and racism, FDR had issued an executive order in 1941 forbidding racial discrimination. As a result, thousands of Black Americans found war work positions. Black publisher Charles Tilghman recognized an opportunity to promote this work and to bring his community together. With the help of a number of high-profile African American donors, Tilghman produced the first volume in the "We Also Serve" series. That volume focused on work in the war industries. By 1945, Tilghman recognized the need for an additional volume highlighting the massive contributions of African Americans—both men and women—in the Armed Forces. The richly photo-illustrated work offers information on everything from the soldiers and sailors to the medical professionals serving them. "We Also Serve demonstrates the pride and confidence that accompanied the expanded economic opportunity of the war years. The editors of We Also Serve encouraged their readers to patronize the many black businesses that purchased advertising in the pamphlet" (Oakland Public Library). Label reading "Now 20¢" neatly affixed to front wrapper.

Slight offsetting to first page of text, slightest rubbing wrappers. About-fine condition.