The National WWII Museum’s newly expanded and reimagined Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II special exhibition honors the significant role millions of Black servicemembers and Home Front workers played in securing Allied victory, even as they faced discrimination. Emphasizing the fight for a “Double Victory” against fascism abroad and racism at home, this groundbreaking exhibit explores the challenges faced by and accomplishments of African Americans before, during, and after World War II.
About the Exhibit
Despite frequently earning distinction as individuals and units fighting for America since before it was a country, African Americans faced restricted opportunities in the segregated Armed Forces. Fighting for the Right to Fight delves into the rich history of Black military service before World War II, from the African American Patriots of the Revolutionary War and those fighting to abolish slavery during the Civil War, to the famed Buffalo Soldiers on the American Frontier. Examining the turbulent decades between Emancipation and the outbreak of World War II, the exhibit paints a picture of life for African Americans marked by periods of progress and setbacks.
In 1941, the United States was thrust into a global war that required massive military and industrial mobilization to win. Volunteering in record numbers, more than 1.2 million African American men and women served in all branches of the still-segregated Armed Forces during World War II, and over a million more on the Home Front took advantage of new labor opportunities in defense and other crucial industries. Special and one-of-a-kind artifacts from the Museum’s collection highlight these expanded roles filled by African Americans during the war.
A central theme of Fighting for the Right to Fight is the iconic “Double Victory” campaign, which first emerged in early 1942 to emphasize African Americans’ simultaneous fight against fascism abroad and for equality in American society. Though the Allies had achieved victory over fascism, the fight for civil rights and justice raged on in the postwar era. Frustrated but more determined than ever, Black WWII veterans fueled the growing Civil Rights Movement in America, paving the way for broader social change, expanded opportunities, and increased political empowerment. The exhibit traces these efforts and achievements, including the desegregation of the Armed Forces in 1948, the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and the long-overdue awarding of the Medal of Honor to seven Black WWII veterans in 1997.
In addition to artifacts, Fighting for the Right to Fight’s digital elements include an interactive world map highlighting the contributions of African American units and servicemembers, films examining Black Americans’ wartime experiences and their legacy today, and interactive We Were There oral history stations.
The legacy of African American experiences during World War II continues to resonate through American society in profound ways. As the struggle for justice and equality continues, Fighting for the Right to Fight showcases extraordinary stories of service, sacrifice, and fortitude that paved the way for change.
Presented in honor of Corporal Warren J. Donald, Sr. by the Arnold Donald Family. National touring presented by National Touring Sponsor Abbot Downing, Wells Fargo.
Available for Booking
- Winter 2025
Travel Schedule
Will be available soon
Exhibit Images
Installation Logistics
Host Requirements
- 4,000 square feet minimum
- Gallery lighting (remove “exhibit is not self-lit”)
- 1GB of internet streaming connection required for two computer-driven oral history stations (Storyfile)
Please see contract for delivery and installation staffing requirements.
Support Provided
- Installation and packing guidelines
Press and Marketing Materials
The National WWII Museum has created the press and graphic packages linked below to ensure our Fighting for the Right to Fight traveling exhibit will reach the widest audience at your venue.
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.
Press Package
- High resolution press images
- Press release template coming soon
Graphic Package
- Traveling exhibit style guide coming soon (includes exhibit color scheme and templates for advertisements, invitations, rack cards, and signage)
Support Provided
- Consultation with marketing and communications staff
Education Resources
Classroom Guide
Guides highlight the educational themes of the exhibit and reference resources.
Additional Resources
- One on-site professional development workshop
- One distance learning program for students
- Curator lecture (when available, additional fees apply)
Support Provided
- Consultation with our Education department.
Applications and Forms
Are you interested in bringing this exhibit to your institution? Please review our currentschedule/availability, installation logistic page, and the forms below and contact us by phone or email if youneed more information. Once you have reviewed all the information, please submit all materials and we will review and inform you of any concerns regarding a potential exhibit presentation. If you are approved as a host venue, we will contact you and proceed with contracting.
Submit by mail to:
Traveling Exhibits Manager
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, 70130
Submit by email to:
Travelingexhibits@nationalww2museum.org
Pre-Host Forms
Download, fill out, and scan or mail the Host Application and Facility Report below. The Facility Report provides a record of the latest information about an institution's physical specifications and staff practices, and will help us better serve your institution's needs.
Traveling exhibit application
Post-Host Form
Please fill out the following report when the exhibit closes at your institution. It will help us improve host institutions' experiences and learn visitation patterns, as well as information regarding associated educational programs and events.
Final Report