Howard University and U.S. Foreign Affairs during the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration, 1933-1945

Abstract

As premier black institution of higher education, Howard University during critical years 1933-1945 attracted to its campus many outstanding African American scholars, educators, and students. These individuals came to constitute one of Americas most dynamic intellectual communities. During years from 1933 to 1945, members of Howard University community examined, evaluated, and expressed their approval or disapproval of U.S. involvement in international events that were rapidly unfolding. Through public pronouncements, media, and individual activism, they advanced their views. In certain situations, there were even attempts to effect U.S. foreign policy. Historically, African American pronouncements affecting United States foreign policy been severely curtailed, and foreign policy issues, until recent times, have traditionally been viewed as off-limits to non-whites. However, African Americans have spoken out in area of foreign relations and have attempted to influence di rection of U.S. foreign policy when it perceived as affecting lifestyle and existence of people of color. This essay identifies some of major international issues during Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) presidency that were evaluated, discussed, and debated at Howard, and what action, if any, taken or initiated to affect outcome of any U.S. policy or position. IMPERIALISM, THE ARMS RACE, AND INTERNATIONALISM Three general topics of interest examined at university were imperialism, the race, and internationalism. As nations of world moved toward armed conflict during 1930s, individuals at Howard saw and race as old evils leading mankind to destruction. Lyonel Florant, a Howard student activist and socialist, attended first World Student Congress Against War and Fascism held in Brussels, Belgium, in December 1935. Florant and his supporters were able to force adoption of resolutions against imperialism. (1) A powerful Howard voice critical of imperialism President Mordecai Wyatt Johnson. During 1939 opening university convocation, Dr. Johnson criticized past record of systematic expropriation of resources and manpower in Africa, India, and China by major European powers. (2) He questioned justification for continuing such practices and asserted that moral imperatives of democracy and humanity demanded that European powers give up their exclusive control and manipulation of these areas. (3) Also during mid-1940s, some Howard students expressed support for dissolution of European colonial empires. Eighty students, seventy-six of whom were young women, responded to a survey conducted by sociologist E. Franklin Frazier. Thirty-seven of seventy-six respondents favored dissolution of British empire; thirty-nine students felt that its continuation was necessary for maintenance of peace. (4) It is interesting to note that twenty-three students had no opini on African colonies, but majority felt they be granted independence after a period of preparation. (5) Seventy percent of respondents felt India should be given her freedom, while a few believed a period of preparation might be necessary. (6) The escalation of arms race criticized by both President Johnson and Rev. Francis J. Grimke, a former Howard trustee. Rev. Grimke decried military crassness prevalent in world during a 1935 address at Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. Rev. Grimke warned his audience that permanent world peace would remain unachievable until greed for gain and lust for power were eradicated. (7) Echoing similar sentiments in a 1940 address at Riverside Church in New York City, Dr. Johnson insisted that a conscious increase in military power, be it armaments or armies, couldn't insure democracy at home or abroad. …