Masses & Mainstream, was a New York-based journal, published from 1948 to 1963, and was an American Marxist monthly publication. It resulted from a merger between New Masses, which ceased publication in January 1948, and Mainstream, a Communist cultural quarterly established the previous year. Charles White contributed illustrations to a number of the covers of Masses & Mainstream and the journal published a set of White’s prints in 1953. Having contributed an illustration of political activist William L. Patterson for the cover of the January 1951 issue. A striking, dignified portrait of Patterson, in determined mood, with a visionary expression.

The following month, the cover of Masses & Mainstream's February 1951 (Volume 4, Number 2) dedicated to Negro History Week 1951, featured a print by White. There were two further prints by White in the issue, though none of them were accompanied by credits. The contents page stared "Drawings by Charles White", and on the following page, 

COVER: A drawing by the well-known Negro artist, Charles White, whose exhibition of paintings and prints dedicated to the Negro women of America will be presented at the A.C.A. Gallery in New York from February 12 to March 5 [1951]