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What roles did members of the black cabinet play in Roosevelt administration?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
In the 1930s, America was still segregated, and the idea of appointing a black person (or a "Negro" as they were then called) to serve in a president's cabinet was unheard of; in fact, Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed the first woman to his cabinet-- Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, and even that was considered controversial by some traditionalists. Eleanor Roosevelt whose friends included the noted black educator Mary McLeod Bethune, became known as an advocate for better treatment for racial minorities, but rightly or wrongly, President Roosevelt felt he was limited in how much he could change without alienating southern white voters.
Still, he did want to hear the viewpoints of black leaders, and he gathered a group of experts, led by housing and urban planning specialist Robert C. Weaver, to provide advice on issues that were of concern to the minority population as they struggled through the Depression. This group came to be known as the ''Black Cabinet'' or the "Black Brain Trust," and although their role was only advisory, they were able to advocate for improvements in government policies related to housing, education and employment. Some historians believe they were able to push the president towards some actual changes that were beneficial to racial minorities; but others believe that the "Black Cabinet" had little say in actual policy-making and was largely a ceremonial body that the president could call upon when he was asked what he was doing to help the black community.
Theodora Hartmann
Alena Robel
Eugene Kertzmann
They served as unofficial adviser
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoIn the 1930s, America was still segregated, and the idea of appointing a black person (or a "Negro" as they were then called) to serve in a president's cabinet was unheard of; in fact, Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed the first woman to his cabinet-- Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, and even that was considered controversial by some traditionalists. Eleanor Roosevelt whose friends included the noted black educator Mary McLeod Bethune, became known as an advocate for better treatment for racial minorities, but rightly or wrongly, President Roosevelt felt he was limited in how much he could change without alienating southern white voters.
Still, he did want to hear the viewpoints of black leaders, and he gathered a group of experts, led by housing and urban planning specialist Robert C. Weaver, to provide advice on issues that were of concern to the minority population as they struggled through the Depression. This group came to be known as the ''Black Cabinet'' or the "Black Brain Trust," and although their role was only advisory, they were able to advocate for improvements in government policies related to housing, education and employment. Some historians believe they were able to push the president towards some actual changes that were beneficial to racial minorities; but others believe that the "Black Cabinet" had little say in actual policy-making and was largely a ceremonial body that the president could call upon when he was asked what he was doing to help the black community.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoAnonymous
They served as unofficial adviser
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How roles did members of the black cabinet play in the Roosevelt administration?
Members of the Black Cabinet played important roles in the Roosevelt administration. They advised President Roosevelt on issues related to African Americans and were key in shaping policies that aimed to address racial inequalities. Their advocacy led to the creation of the Federal Council on Negro Affairs, also known as the Black Cabinet, which tackled civil rights, employment opportunities, and discrimination. While they did not have official positions in the administration, their input helped push for progressive change.
Why was the black cabinet important to the Roosevelt administration?
Because they helped the African Americans get a greater voice in the Government during the presidency of Roosevelt.
What was the purpose of the black cabinet in the Great Depression?
Organized group of influential African Americans to advise the Roosevelt administration on racial issues.
What was the name given to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's African- American advisers?
black cabinet
Which president appointed Robert Weaver as a member of the black cabinet?
roosevelt
Why did Mary McLeod Bethune believe Franklin D. Roosevelt's Black Cabinet represented a step forward for African Americans?
its members went on to fill out important positions with in government
Why did Mary McLeod Bethune believe Franklin d Roosevelt's black cabinet represented a step forward for African American?
its members went on to fill out important positions with in government
Why did mary mcleod bethune believe franklin d roosevelt's black cabinet represented a step forward for african americans?
its members went on to fill out important positions with in government
Why did Mary McLeod Bethune Believe Franklin D Roosevelt black cabinet represented a step forward for African-American?
its members went on to fill out important positions with in government
What is was Franklin D Roosevelt's cabinet's nickname?
It is Brain trust aka black cabinet
Who did president Franklin Roosevelt count on to help him guide the nation to recovery?
The black cabinet
How many black women left Obama's cabinet and why?
Only one at this point. First, it should be noted that every president who serves a second term finds he needs to replace certain cabinet members. Mr. Obama is no exception: Both President Clinton and President Bush also had several members of their first term cabinet decide they would not serve another term (cabinet positions are very time-consuming and intense, and often, cabinet members prefer to go back home, relax, and be with their family for a while). While Mr. Obama is losing several white male cabinet members, he is also losing a white female member (Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State), and one Hispanic woman (Hilda Solis, at the Department of Labor). There is also one black woman who announced she is leaving the Obama team-- Lisa P. Jackson (administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency); she expressed frustration with partisan bickering and gridlock in congress. Other black cabinet members, advisers, and agency heads, both male and female, are still working for the Obama administration.
