True Sons of Freedom

True Sons of Freedom

Recruitment: Military

An American military recruitment poster, which evokes nationalism and attempts to bolster recruitment numbers within the African American community. The poster presents an image of African American soldiers, proudly displaying the flag of the United States, engaging in battle with the German military, while an enlarged image of President Abraham Lincoln looks on. Framing this image is the title “True Sons of Freedom” and the quotes “Liberty And Freedom Shall Not Parish” and “COLORED MEN The First Americans Who Planted Our Flag on the Firing Line.” This poster and the imagery within attempts to appeal to the African American community as it harkens back to the Federal victory in the American Civil War, which secured an end to slavery within the borders of the United States. With German soldiers resembling stereotypical images of Confederate men and African American soldiers standing above said men, this image promotes the idea that the battlefields of World War I were a location in which all men were truly equal, and one in which African Americans could put an end to segregation and Jim Crow. The concepts presented in this poster go beyond simply evoking African American nationalism and convincing young black men to join the war effort, they attempt to break down social stereotypes and contribute to a much larger conversation pertaining to equal rights for African Americans.

Charles Gustrine

McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tulsa. 2933 E. 6th St. Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-3123

Chas. Gustine, Chicago, IL.

1918

English

1992.004.5.6

United States of America

Poster

50.9 x 40.9 cm