Circle For Negro War Relief
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 From a 1918 publication | |
| Founder | Emilie Bigelow Hapgood |
|---|---|
| Purpose | World War I relief organization in support of African Americans |
| Headquarters | United States |
Key people | Emilie Bigelow Hapgood Etnah Rochon Boutte |
The Circle For Negro War Relief was a World War I relief organization created in support of African Americans fighting in the war.[1] In 1917, the organization was founded in New York City by Emilie Biglow Hapgood, a white philanthropist and theatrical producer.[2] Within the organization, there were 60 units with specialized aid efforts based on locality. The organization later developed sectors to advance public health and nursing education.[3] It its induction, the organization met with former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt on November 2, 1918, who commended them for their efforts.[4]
The discriminatory practices and racial stratification throughout the armed forces during World War I motivated the establishment of the Circle for Negro War Relief and its mission of supporting Black soldiers. Upon entering World War I, the United States’ military units remained segregated; nevertheless, many Black Americans volunteered to represent the country through service. For many, military participation was a means of demonstrating loyalty to the nation in effort to challenge racial discrimination and improve race relations at home.[5] Organizations such as the NAACP, along with aspects of the New Negro movement, supported social change by defending democratic ideals and Americanism.[5] However, those who volunteered experienced measurable differences in their treatment and experience in the military on the basis of their race.[6][7] Soldiers such as, chauffeur, Robert Sweeney, and 92nd infantry member, Clay Ryan, reported that segregationist behavior within the military manifested in the degradation of Black soldiers and protest signs for "No Black Soldiers" by white soldiers.[8] Although Black soldiers were accomplished, such as the service members in the all-Black infantry the Harlem Hellfighters, many received inadequate rankings compared to white soldiers and little accolades from white commanders.[6][9][7] Given this discrepancy, in November 1917, Emilie Bigelow Hapgood founded the Circle For Negro Relief in response to the inadequate aid for African American soldiers and their families.[3] The Circle effectively organized numerous units that supported Black soldiers.[10] For those serving in the segregated troops, the Circle dedicated effort to providing necessary equipment and making clothing for these soldiers.[10] Within the leadership of the Circle existed prominent Black intellectuals like executive secretary, Caroline Bond Day, and vice president and director W.E.B. Du Bois.[10]
The Circle's efforts reflect the legacy of civil rights advocacy that was championed by World War I veterans. During this period, Black war veterans worked with the NAACP and the League for Democracy to advance equality and democracy.[11]
Units and Activities
The Circle For Negro War Relief's units were distributed across the nation, with aid efforts shaped by regional context.[3] In New York, the Ambulance Unit supplied an ambulance to Camp Upton.[3] In South Carolina, Unit No. 29 in St. Helena engaged in kitting and letter writing. During the 1918 influenza pandemic, Unit No. 29 later became a health committee that collaborated with the American Red Cross.[3] The Circle provided material and emotional support to soldiers through gifting Christmas trees, organizing dinners, and distributing pamphlets educating the public about their military experience.[3]
