On Cassette: Frank Marshall Davis, 9

Davis displays a framed photograph of Paul Robeson who Davis describes as "one of the most influential men in the entire world."  Robeson was also a supporter of the ILWU and encouraged Davis in plans to move to Hawaii.

He also describes Robeson as one of the two African-American celebrities of the era (the other being Joe Louis) for whom Davis was sometimes mistaken.  He also talks about looking like Nolle Smith Sr. and Jr., prominent African-Americans in Hawaii.

Davis is asked if he ever experienced discrimination in Hawaii. He replies that he found it "personally advantageous."
Because of his political leanings, he felt that many people, including the haoles (descendants of the first Caucasian settlers) were on his side.

He remembers the 9-month long strike by the ILWU against the Big Five sugar companies.  His wife picketed with the ILWU.

Davis also displays a poster for the Chicago Star, an inter-racial labor weekly he started with a Jewish newspaperman named Hirsch.

He briefly talks about an editorial he wrote during the Massie Case, in which a prominent socialite, Thalia Massie, was alllegedly assaulted and raped by five Hawaiian natives.

Davis states that the major reason for the existence of the black press was to counter the misinformation of the white press.  He also credits a strong black press for strengthening the position of African-American servicemen and opening opportunities in the Navy, Air Force and Marines during World War II.