officers. Some of these officers were fine men, but the majority were "Negro drivers" of the most offensive type.
The outstanding facts about the command of these Black soldiers is that southern men of narrow, harsh type dictated the policy and method. Southern Whites so forced their method that it became unpopular for officers to be generous to Black men. When it is considered that these black soldiers were subjected under such men, with no practicle opportunity for redress, it is easy to imagine the extremes to which harsh treatment could have be carried out. Unfortunately, the approach to the Black soldier was sanctioned by the White American beaurocracy. They surmised that the Negro had to be "properly handled" and kept in his "place," even in France.
Extensive use was made of the White non-commissioned officer. Many companies and units of Negro soldiers had no higher Negro command than a corporal. This harsh method resulted in long hours, excessive tasks, and little opportunity for leaves and recreation for the Black American soldiers. The Negro soldiers did not have black women as secretaries of the Young Mens Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.)and Black-Women were refused some units on the ground. It was frankly stated by officers that it would be better to have White secretaries. In many places, seperate "Y" huts were demanded for White and Black soldiers so that there would be no association or fraternizing between the races.
Black soldiers were often worked like slaves, twelve and fourteen hours a day. These soldiers were well-fed, poorly clothed, indifferently housed, often beaten, always "Jim Crowed" (segregated), and insulted. Yet, these Black American soldiers had a feeling for a nation of splendid people who were threatened and torn by a ruthless enemy. These Black men saw a democracy which simply could not understand color prejudice.
The French people were confused about the poor treatment the Black American soldiers were subjected to. They sympathised with the Negroes and gave a thousand little kindnesses and several words of sympathy to the Black soldiers. French law and customs stepped in repeatedly to protect the black soldiers. The only regret the the Black soldier had -was for the majority of White Americans.
Despite the harsh treatment that Black soldiers received, the soldiers worked. Oh! how those they worked. Everyone (the White slave drivers, the Army officers, the French, the visitors) joined-in to testify to the truth
J.Linzy-3