World War II was arguably the most transformative period in American history and possibly world history. It was a conflict that permanently changed the world. For African Americans, the war offered social and economic opportunities to improve their lives. This was through such methods as military service and support, educational opportunities, and a push to connect the war to the fight for civil rights. In 1942, the Double V Campaign—victory over fascism abroad and over racism stateside—became a rallying cry for African Americans. It was a clear indication that African Americans would support the war effort while continuing to agitate for social change and political progress in America.[1]

African American soldiers experienced racial discrimination, violence, oppression, and social injustices throughout American military history. But World War II was different. The 1940s reflected political and social change in the armed forces in several significant ways. For the first time since the American Revolution, the Navy and Marine Corps began recruiting African American soldiers to serve in leadership and combat roles. Black women also served in all of the branch services as well as the US Coast Guard. The most renowned African American combat unit of the war was the famed Tuskegee Airmen. It was composed of the 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Medium Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Force.

African American soldiers transformed their lives through military service at home and abroad. After the war, the vast majority of African Americans resumed their quiet lives with an expectation of greater opportunity and a sense of optimism for a brighter future. Many individuals re-enlisted in the armed forces. Others returned to their hometowns to pursue education and technical school training using the Montgomery GI Bill. Many southern African Americans did not return home. They relocated to new regions of the country to start a new life away from racial oppression and economic discrimination in the South.

The war also produced a new generation of civil rights activists and leaders. They were energized and motivated by their experiences in the military. Very similar to the Reconstruction era and the decade after World War I, Black America’s most militant and tenacious African American leaders were former soldiers and officers. They challenged white supremacy and terrorism in the South. Thousands of Black veterans of World War II led local and state civil rights struggles throughout the South and in many cases became staunch supporters of armed resistance and self-defense activism.[2] These men resisted racism and discrimination in hope of claiming self-respect and dignity. Meanwhile, they asserted the manly qualities of courage, strength, and fortitude. As former soldiers, they had already experienced a basic level of equality with white men in the military. This condition empowered them and created a source of pride and confidence that many white southerners found threatening.

The Second World War represents a benchmark in the modern Civil Rights movement. It also reflects a decisive moment in the personal and collective histories of millions of African Americans throughout the South. Following their service, they sought to escape white supremacy and oppression in pursuit of employment and enfranchisement opportunities.