Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
The Negro in America Pamphlet consists of a 7.5 inches by 3.5 inches staplebound, 22 page pamphlet titled "The Negro in America: How We Treat Them and How We Should" addressing racial inequality and the imperative for democratic reforms in the United States. Issued at the height of World War II, the work outlines the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans in employment, education, housing, and public life.
The Council for Democracy was a New York-based organization headed by Raymond Gram Swing and comprised of intellectuals such as journalists, lawyers, writers, and professors.
Established at the beginning of World War II, the Council for Democracy countered the isolation rhetoric of the America First Committee. They advocated against fascism and for racial equality.
The Negro in America Pamphlet consists of a 7.5 inches by 3.5 inches staplebound, 22 page pamphlet addressing racial inequality and the imperative for democratic reforms in the United States. Issued at the height of World War II, the work outlines the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans in employment, education, housing, and public life. It emphasizes the regional differences in racial issues and cautions that racial inequalities are not confined to the South. The text highlights key areas holding back Black progress at the time including discrimination in industry, education, and housing. It argues that there are widespread misconceptions about Black workers, such as that they are strike breakers, conciliatory to management, and unskilled. It also notes that discriminitory hiring practices from upper management lead to a lagging proportionate increase in skilled employment. The pamphlet also discusses access to public education and restrictions in housing.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], "The Negro in America: How We Treat Them and How We Should" Pamphlet, MSS 00485, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Purchase (Accession 2025.0058)
Processed by: Hailey Mandel, 2025 May; Collection guide written by: Hailey Mandel, 2025 May
"The Negro in America: How We Treat Them and How We Should" is the original publication title. The term used is racist and harmful, but we have retained it to preserve the original context and to support searching with terms common to a specific time period. Read more about our approach to handling harmful language in About Reparative Archival Description.
"The Negro in America: How We Treat Them and How We Should" is the original publication title. The term used is racist and harmful, but we have retained it to preserve the original context and to support searching with terms common to a specific time period. Read more about our approach to handling harmful language in About Reparative Archival Description.
Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.
Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111
Phone: (919) 515-2273
[Identification of item], "The Negro in America: How We Treat Them and How We Should" Pamphlet, MSS 00485, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.