Arthur W. Mitchell: a black New Dealer.

Abstract

Arthur W. Mitchell, the first black Democrat elected to the House of Representatives, assumed office in the depression years. Although economic relief was the paramount goal for the black community, the Afro-Americans also had hopes of political and social equality. With the current dispute over if black power movements," an investigation of Mitchell as a policy maker is a more germane study than it would have been before. This thesis will examine how a black politician viewed racial disorimination during the New Deal Era from 1934 to 1942. Elected in a bi-racial district, M1tchell found himself in a unique position, but that position also created criticism from black leaders, black-edited newspapers, his constituents and NAACP. It is therefore imperative that the writer include in her thesis the historical background of the Negro prior to the New Deal as well as an analysis of the Negro t s changing political thought during the twentieth century. The focal point of this essay, however, will be on how Arthur W. Mitchell attempted to elevate his race in American sooiety through legislation. Sources to be used in assessing Mitohell's contribution to his race will be his private papers, newspapers, Chioago's voting results, the Congressional Reoord and relevant secondary material.