The "War on Poverty" was a set of social welfare initiatives introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, as part of his broader vision for a "Great Society." The programs aimed to address the issue of poverty in the United States, particularly focusing on assisting marginalized and disadvantaged communities, including African Americans.

Key initiatives of the War on Poverty included the Economic Opportunity Act, which created programs such as Job Corps, Head Start, and VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). These programs aimed to provide job training, educational opportunities, healthcare, and community development to those living in poverty.

For many African Americans, the War on Poverty provided much-needed support and resources that helped to uplift individuals and communities that had long been marginalized and neglected. However, the effectiveness of the programs has been a subject of debate, with critics pointing to issues such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and challenges in sustaining long-term impact.

Overall, the War on Poverty represented a significant effort to address systemic inequality and poverty in America, with implications that continue to be felt in Black communities today.