Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, played a significant role in advancing civil rights for African Americans during his time in office from 1945 to 1953.

One of Truman's most notable actions was his decision to desegregate the U.S. military in 1948 by issuing Executive Order 9981. This landmark executive order prohibited racial discrimination in the armed forces and paved the way for the integration of African American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.

Truman also took steps to address civil rights issues domestically. In 1946, he established the President's Committee on Civil Rights, which issued a report calling for measures to combat racial discrimination and segregation in the United States. While Truman faced opposition from some members of his own party and resistance from southern segregationists, he remained committed to advancing civil rights and equality for all Americans.

Truman's actions on civil rights were significant in laying the groundwork for the broader civil rights movement that would come to prominence in the following decades. He is remembered as a president who took bold steps to promote racial equality and challenge the status quo of segregation and discrimination in America.