1943.05.01 “Don’t Let Him Down” by Burris A. Jenkins, Jr.

1943.05.01 “Don’t Let Him Down”
by Burris A. Jenkins, Jr. (1897-1966)
13 x 16 in, crayon on board
Coppola Collection

Burris Jenkins Jr. was the son of a prominent Kansas City minister, war correspondent and newspaper editor. Jenkins Jr. was a popular sports cartoonist, whose work appeared in the New York Journal-American from 1931. His humorous published verses were also popular. Although best known for his sports themes, Jenkins was also a skilled courtroom illustrator and editorial cartoonist.

In March 1943, FDR issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation, making it an annual tradition for the American Red Cross to raise awareness of their humanitarian mission and encourage support.