Fighting for the Right to Fight Exhibit

Fighting for the Right to Fight

African American Experiences in World War II

Through The National WWII Museum’s Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II traveling exhibition, discover the stories of Black servicemembers and Home Front workers who played significant roles in securing Allied victory, even as they faced discrimination. 

For booking details and availability, please contact travelingexhibits@nationalww2museum.org. 

 
 

About the Exhibit

Emphasizing the fight for a “Double Victory” against the Axis powers overseas and Jim Crow segregation in the United States, this major traveling exhibit explores the challenges faced by and accomplishments of African Americans before, during, and after World War II. Developed in collaboration with an advisory committee of nationally recognized scholars and military historians, the exhibit examines key themes such as the treatment of African Americans as second-class citizens before World War II, the path toward African American inclusion in the US military, the roots of the Civil Rights Movement, and more. 

Visitors will experience: 

  • Original artifacts representing all branches of the US military and Home Front 
  • Three documentary films providing historical context and personal perspectives 
  • Map-based touchscreen interactive highlighting African American military contributions 
  • Interactive, AI-powered oral history displays allowing visitors to have Q&A interactions with two African American WWII veterans

Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II is presented in honor of Corporal Warren J. Donald, Sr. by the Arnold Donald Family. National touring presented by Abbot Downing, Wells Fargo. 

 

Exhibit Specifications 

  • 4,000–6,000 square feet of space
  • Includes exhibit text panels, furniture, cases, and integrated media 
  • Requires two hard line cat 5 internet cables with streaming 1G bps connection and overhead power drops 
  • Requires minimum ceiling height of 16’ for hanging components; 12’ minimum if using floor components only 

A professional local installation team is required. The team must consist of a minimum of one art preparator and six installation hands (at least one AV coordinator and one rigger). 

Please see contract for detailed delivery and staffing requirements.

 

Booking

Fighting for the Right to Fight is ideal for history museums, cultural institutions, community centers, and academic venues. 

To inquire about booking, please contact travelingexhibits@nationalww2museum.org.

 

Upcoming Venues and Dates 

Memphis Museum of Science and History (Memphis, Tennessee): 

January 30, 2027 – July 2, 2027

 

Press & Marketing Materials 

Style guide and marketing support provided upon booking. 

Resources include: 

  • Press release template 
  • Signage and digital graphic templates 
  • Fonts, colors, and logos 
  • Support from Marketing & Communications staff

In accordance with the contract, any publicity materials—including e-publicity—must be sent to our Traveling Exhibits Department for review and approval prior to printing and distribution.

 

Educational Resources 

Classroom guides highlight the educational themes of the exhibit and reference resources. 

View the Guide 

Additional Resources 

  • One on-site professional development workshop 
  • One distance learning program for students 
  • Curator lecture (when available, additional fees apply) 

Support Provided