<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