The artwork titled “Backing the Attack on All Fronts!!!” was created by Charles Alston in 1943. This piece belongs to the Social Realism art movement and is classified as a poster.
The artwork features a powerful composition that highlights the vital role of the press in wartime. The central focus is a large newspaper entitled “The Negro Press,” emblazoned with the slogan “Win the War – Plan the Peace!!” Emerging from the backdrop of the newspaper are three figures representing different facets of wartime effort: a farmer, a soldier, and a worker. Each figure is depicted in strong, dynamic poses, showcasing their contributions to the war effort. The farmer is shown carrying a basket full of produce, symbolizing agricultural support; the soldier, geared with a rifle, represents the military front; and the worker, equipped with industrial tools, signifies labor and production. This composition eloquently underscores the theme that contributions from various sectors are essential for winning the war and planning for peace, thereby emphasizing collective effort and unity in times of national crisis. The poster also features the inscription “National Negro Newspaper Week, Feb. 27th – Mar. 4th, 1827–1944,” providing context for its purpose and timing.
