04: The Untold Story Behind the New Deal: The Black Cabinet with Jill Watts

This week, we dive into “The Black Cabinet: The Untold Story of African Americans and Politics During the Age of Roosevelt” with author Jill Watts. The "Black Cabinet" was a group of African American economists, lawyers, sociologists and journalists who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during the Roosevelt administration for the inclusion of Black Americans in FDR's New Deal programs.

Watts shares the fascinating history of how this unofficial brain trust, significantly steered by Mary McLeod Bethune—an educator, civil rights leader, and one the most important American women in the first half of the 20th century—navigated the obstacles and politics of the era to push for change, even as they faced constant racism, roadblocks, and resistance. Through their perseverance and creativity, they were able to secure some key victories and serve as the bridge used by the next generation of civil rights leaders. This is an important and inspiring story that sheds light on a critical chapter of American history and how Black Americans are still fighting for the same things today.

Jill's website: https://jill-watts.com/
Book: https://groveatlantic.com/book/the-black-cabinet/

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