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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

The Path to Integration: African Americans in the Armed Forces of Massachusetts


The Path to Integration: African Americans in the Armed Forces of Massachusetts examines these challenges. Through a closer look at some of the units and individual persons of color who fought for freedom and democracy while often being denied equal access to those same ideals, we honor both their struggles and their achievements. - Massachusetts Archives

The Path to Integration: African Americans in the Armed Forces of Massachusetts examines these challenges. Through a closer look at some of the units and individual persons of color who fought for freedom and democracy while often being denied equal access to those same ideals, we honor both their struggles and their achievements.
- Massachusetts Archives

African Americans in the Armed Forces of Massachusetts

Black service members have fought in every American conflict, from colonial times to the present day. Though their sacrifice and valor have secured their position among America’s heroes, the path to breaking down racial barriers and unequal treatment for Black soldiers, sailors, and airmen within the armed forces of the United States has been difficult.

Throughout the history of the Commonwealth – from the Revolution, to the Civil War, to the World Wars and beyond – there is an unbroken chain of honor and military service within the Black community. At the same time, these deeds of valor have been tempered by a parallel struggle against the prejudice, segregation, and inequality Black servicemen and women have had to long endure.