USS Mason was the first US Navy fleet vessel crewed by a majority of African American sailors.

In the four years of war, Americans on the home front were asked to do their part and to go without certain items for the sake of the war effort. For residents of New Orleans, World War II also meant going without Mardi Gras.

On February 3, 1945, the US Army sent over 800 Black women overseas to England aboard the SS Ile de France. Their mission was unknown to them.

This new series features master’s student papers from the University of New Orleans. The first submission delves into American memory of World War II.

Jackie Robinson is best known for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier. Less well known, but just as pivotal, is his 1944 court-martial after refusing to move to the back of a military bus.