The War on Poverty was a major initiative launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in his 1964 State of the Union address. The goal of the War on Poverty was to address the causes of poverty in America and create programs to help lift people out of poverty.

Many of the programs established as part of the War on Poverty specifically targeted African Americans who were disproportionately affected by poverty due to systemic discrimination and inequality. Programs such as Head Start, which provided early education and nutrition to low-income children, and the Economic Opportunity Act, which created job training and placement programs, were crucial in helping African Americans access opportunities for economic advancement.

Unfortunately, the War on Poverty faced challenges and criticisms over the years, with some arguing that it did not go far enough in addressing systemic issues of poverty and inequality. However, the initiative did have a lasting impact in providing much-needed support and resources to African American communities, laying the groundwork for future anti-poverty efforts.