Roosevelt refuses to help A. Philip Randolph

During the war, A. Philip Randolph, a prominent labor leader, faced significant challenges in his campaign for civil rights, particularly in Memphis. His efforts were met with strong opposition from E.H. Crump, the Democratic Boss of Memphis, who utilized political pressure and intimidation tactics to suppress dissent. Crump's actions included denying Randolph access to venues for speaking engagements and threatening local black leaders with imprisonment if they supported Randolph's initiatives. This situation arose as Randolph sought to address the violation of constitutional rights and promote free speech, particularly in response to the expulsion of two local black Republicans, J.B. Martin and Robert Church Jr., from the city. Randolph's campaign highlighted the broader struggle for civil rights and the intersection of labor issues with racial equality during this period. Despite Randolph's appeals for assistance, President Roosevelt did not intervene. Randolph reached out to Roosevelt, emphasizing the need for action against Crump's oppressive tactics, which he described as 'fascist.' However, Roosevelt's response indicated a reluctance to engage, as she expressed concern that any intervention might exacerbate the situation. This refusal to support Randolph not only reflected the complexities of political alliances but also underscored the challenges faced by civil rights advocates in seeking governmental support during a time of war. The incident illustrates the tension between labor rights and civil rights, as well as the limitations of political leadership in addressing systemic injustices.