Executive Order 9981 was issued by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1948, and it marked a significant moment in Black history. This executive order abolished discrimination "on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin" in the United States Armed Forces. It was a landmark decision that paved the way for desegregation in the military and contributed to the broader Civil Rights Movement.

The order was a response to the efforts of African American civil rights activists, as well as growing pressure due to the changing social and political landscape following World War II. It was instrumental in challenging the existing racial segregation policies within the military and set a precedent for integration in other areas of society.

Executive Order 9981 was a key step towards promoting equality and justice for African American service members, and it played a significant role in advancing the cause of civil rights in the United States.