<P> Double V campaign was a slogan and drive to promote the fight for democracy abroad and within the United States for African Americans during World War II . The Double V refers to the `` V for victory '' sign prominently displayed by countries fighting `` for victory over aggression , slavery , and tyranny , '' but adopts a second `` V '' to represent the double victory for African Americans fighting for freedom overseas and at home . The campaign first appeared in the African - American newspaper Pittsburgh Courier on February 7 , 1942 . The slogan was prompted by a response to the letter , `` Should I Sacrifice to Live ' Half American ? ' '' written by 26 - year - old reader James G. Thompson . Pitched as `` Democracy -- Double Victory , At Home - Abroad '' , the campaign highlighted the risks African Americans took while they fought in the military campaign against Axis powers while denied their rights as citizens within the United States . </P>
what was the double v campaign during ww2
slogan and drive to promote the fight for democracy abroad and within the United States for African Americans during World War II