Only a Taste
The military we know today has come a long way since its founding. Many who were brought up in the U.S. public education system may be surprised to learn that African Americans have bravely served in every United States conflict since the inception of this country. Although the military has always pushed the boundaries of progress towards equity and inclusion across all gender and ethnic backgrounds, our country's Military History is unfortunately littered with instances of injustice and strife. Among the stories of hardship that Black servicemembers have faced while and after serving, however, are countless stories that illuminate the grit, talent, bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of Black servicemembers. All of these stories and histories are all the more remarkable when you stop to think of all the Black servicemembers who have fought for a country that has not always loved them back. You can sample a few of the books in the full 350+ literature and media collection hosted by UNO's Criss library below.
Highlighted Literature
The American civil war has never been in short supply of myths, but Levin describes black Confederates as the “most persistent”.
Many know the story of the United States Colored Troops and of the "buffalo soldiers," but African Americans also served in segregated militia units in 23 states--this tells Kansas' militia story.
Journal: When the United States entered the First World War, the nation's Jim Crow politics contributed to the general rejection of African American men for war-time military service.
Blue & Gold and Black is the history of integration of African Americans into the Naval Academy. The book examines how civil rights advocates' demands for equal opportunity shaped the Naval Academy.
Taps for a Jim Crow Army is a powerful collection of letters written by black soldiers in the 1940s to various government and nongovernment officials.
Before Rosa Parks and the March on Washington, four African American women risked their careers and freedom to defy the United States Army over segregation.
Stationed in the West prior to 1898, these black soldiers protected white communities, forced Native Americans onto government reservations, patrolled the Mexican border, and broke up labor disputes.
The central theme is the promise held out to African American military personnel that service in WWII would deliver a double victory--a "double V"--over tyranny abroad & racial prejudice at home.
In honor of Petty Officer Charles Jackson French
- Check out these books or see the full Hero of the Heartland Special Collection
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Book Pairings with Sample Media
In honor of Black History Month, below you will find open sourced media based on books featured in UNO's Honorary Hero of the Heartland Special Collection Archive.