African Americans in World War II

African Americans in World War II, a traveling exhibition from the National Museum of Nuclear Science, opens April 4, 2024, in the Haggin Museum’s West Gallery. The exhibition includes approximately 40 framed photographs highlighting the efforts of Black soldiers and military personnel.

More than 2.5 million African American men and thousands of Black women served in all branches of service and in all Theaters of Operations during World War II. Despite extensive discrimination and segregation, they met the challenge, preserved, and served with distinction and honor. Many Black infantrymen were involved in the war in Europe and the war of the Pacific. In addition, African Americans supported war efforts from the home front and were instrumental in the achievement of success of the allied forces.

On the home front, African Americans also did their part to win the war. They worked in war industries, in government agencies, sold War Bonds, entertained the troops on overseas tours, and performed many vital services that would lead to the final victory in August 1945.