October 1917
Following the East St. Louis massacre, Congress launched an investigation that documented the scale of the attack and the failure of state militia to protect Black residents. The investigation produced damning evidence that the governor and local officials had failed to act. The Wilson administration and War Department, however, pressured investigators to minimize findings that might interfere with military mobilization or embarrass the administration. The final report understated deaths, muted criticism of officials, and produced no criminal prosecutions of those responsible for killing over 100 Black Americans.
Emmett Scott, Booker T. Washington's former secretary, was appointed Special Assistant to the Secretary of War for Black affairs in 1917, the first Black civilian appointed to the War Department. Scott and NAACP leaders negotiated with the military establishment for equal treatment of Black troops, better officer training, and combat roles. They achieved the establishment of Camp Des Moines, Iowa as an officer training camp for Black men — which produced 639 Black commissioned officers. But most of their other demands were rebuffed, and the Army maintained complete segregation throughout the war.
Events
- October 1917Congressional Investigation of East St. Louis Massacre Suppressed by War Department
Following the East St. Louis massacre, Congress launched an investigation that documented the scale of the attack and the failure of state militia to protect Black residents. The investigation produced damning evidence that the governor and local officials had failed to act. The Wilson administration and War Department, however, pressured investigators to minimize findings that might interfere with military mobilization or embarrass the administration. The final report understated deaths, muted criticism of officials, and produced no criminal prosecutions of those responsible for killing over 100 Black Americans.
- October 1917Black Leaders Negotiate With War Department for Equal Military Treatment, Largely Failing
Emmett Scott, Booker T. Washington's former secretary, was appointed Special Assistant to the Secretary of War for Black affairs in 1917, the first Black civilian appointed to the War Department. Scott and NAACP leaders negotiated with the military establishment for equal treatment of Black troops, better officer training, and combat roles. They achieved the establishment of Camp Des Moines, Iowa as an officer training camp for Black men — which produced 639 Black commissioned officers. But most of their other demands were rebuffed, and the Army maintained complete segregation throughout the war.