Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original 1918 World War I chromolithographic poster entitled “The Colored Man Is No Slacker,” printed by E. G. Renesch of Chicago and depicting an African American infantryman bidding farewell to his sweetheart as other Black soldiers march away beneath the American flag. The image is one of the best-known surviving patriotic prints relating to African American military service during the First World War.

The poster is presently housed in what appears to be an old, possibly period frame measuring approximately 21 x 25 inches overall.

The central image shows a uniformed African American soldier standing beside a woman in a blue dress as he prepares to depart for military service. In the background, a column of Black soldiers marches away, with one man carrying a large American flag. Across the bottom appears the memorable slogan:

THE COLORED MAN IS NO SLACKER

The term “slacker” was widely used during World War I for a man accused of avoiding military service or failing to support the national war effort. In this image, the phrase directly challenged contemporary racist assumptions about African American patriotism by presenting Black military service as an expression of citizenship, duty, and national loyalty.

Though the slogan prevailed, many Black men were drafted and had no choice but to serve. In 1917, 36 percent of African Americans were placed in the highest draft category (Class I) compared to 24 percent of white men. By war’s end, the military had inducted approximately 33 percent of Black draft registrants compared to roughly 25 percent of whites.

This is a very good example of this scarce poster in what we believe to be a period frame. The piece on the back is a bit loose, but there is still a hanging wire and this will display very nicely. It may need a new back piece, however.

The combination of the 1918 E. G. Renesch printing, vivid chromolithographic image, prominent “The Colored Man Is No Slacker” slogan, African American military subject matter, and surviving old frame makes this a particularly significant piece of First World War home-front material. Beyond its visual appeal, it documents the complicated intersection of military service, patriotism, race, and citizenship experienced by African Americans during the First World War.