An account of the ‘progress’ of African American people in the US, intended to favourably sway foreign opinion. While acknowledging the devastating legacy of the slave trade and the reconstruction era, the pamphlet argues that in recent years (from the late 1940s) positive change has occurred socially, culturally and economically for black people. It cites higher literacy rates and school attendance, positive representation by Hollywood and in the national press, as well as better jobs and higher incomes, with education and legislation identified as the way forward. Its numerous photographs (comprising just over half the pamphlet) both document and bolster the narrative of improvement and increasing equality, featuring diverse figures like Ralph Bunche, Ethel Waters, Zora Neale Hurston, plus the “Greatest contributor to Negro progress: the literate voter”. As its title suggests, expect prejudices of the era.
The United States Information Service was dedicated to public diplomacy under President Truman.
Jisc LHD lists 5 copies (St Andrews, Birmingham, Oxford, Sheffield & Swansea).