In this penetrating analysis, John B. Kirby demonstrates that certain New Deal liberals championed black rights as an inherent part of New Deal reform philosophy. He explores the effects the administration reform had on black activists both inside and outside the government, and assesses the thought of prominent black intellectuals. This original and vital study enriches our understanding of the New Deal, the African-American experience, and liberal reform.

“Other scholars have revealed parts of this story, but John B. Kirby has developed unsuspected ramifications and provided insights and flashes of recognition. An impressively researched and clearly written contribution to the intellectual history of the Great Depression.” —Raymond Wolters, Journal of American History

"Inspired by Gunnar Myrdal's conclusion that the Roosevelt era estab­lished an unprecedented relationship between the federal government and black Americans, John B. Kirby has investigated the responses of selected black and white figures to New Deal liberal theology.... A well-researched, clearly organized work of intellectual history." —Theodore Kornweibel Jr., Journal of Southern History

"An Original and sophisticated contribution to depression literature." —Joe M. Richardson, The American Academy of Political and Social Science