In December 1944, Harriet Pickens and Frances Wills became the first African American WAVES officers.

The  traveling exhibit tells the story of how World War II became the major catalyst in the 20th century for African Americans seeking change in their fortunes, both on the Home Front and in the American military.

During World War II, African Americans made tremendous sacrifices in an effort to trade military service and wartime support for measurable social, political, and economic gains. As never before, local black communities throughout the nation participated enthusiastically in wartime programs while intensifying their demands for social progress.

Explore profiles, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts honoring African American contributions to World War II from the Museum's collection.  

On July 4, 2015, The National WWII Museum will open a new special exhibit called Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II. With generous funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation, the exhibition will feature artifacts, photographs, oral histories and associated educational programming to highlight some of the extraordinary achievements and challenges of African Americans during World War II, both overseas and on the Home Front.