Executive Order 9981 was a landmark moment in Black history and the civil rights movement in the United States. Issued by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1948, the order officially desegregated the U.S. armed forces.

This executive order marked the first major federal legislation to promote racial equality in the U.S. It stated, "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin." This order led to the desegregation of military units and the end of discriminatory policies that had relegated Black service members to segregated facilities and roles.

Executive Order 9981 was a significant step forward in the struggle for civil rights and equality in America. It laid the groundwork for further desegregation efforts in the military and set a precedent for future civil rights actions. The order helped pave the way for the broader civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which sought equal rights and opportunities for Black Americans in all aspects of society.