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June 1941

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Achievement · politics
FDR's Executive Order 8802 — banning defense industry discrimination

Faced with A. Philip Randolph's threatened march on Washington by 100,000 Black Americans, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, prohibiting racial discrimination in the federal defense industry and government. It was the first federal action against employment discrimination since Reconstruction and a landmark of Black political leverage.

Events

  1. June 25, 1941
    FDR's Executive Order 8802 — banning defense industry discrimination

    Faced with A. Philip Randolph's threatened march on Washington by 100,000 Black Americans, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, prohibiting racial discrimination in the federal defense industry and government. It was the first federal action against employment discrimination since Reconstruction and a landmark of Black political leverage.

  2. June 18, 1941
    Joe Louis barely survives Billy Conn — championship's most dramatic defense

    On June 18, 1941, Billy Conn came within two seconds of defeating Joe Louis for the heavyweight championship, outboxing the champion through 12 rounds before being knocked out in the 13th when he abandoned his strategy to trade punches. The fight — Louis's most dramatic championship defense — drew a gate of over $450,000 and became one of the most celebrated bouts in boxing history.