During the Vietnam War, which took place from 1955 to 1975, African Americans played significant roles in the conflict both on the frontlines and in the anti-war movement back home. African American soldiers were disproportionately represented in the Vietnam War, as they made up around 12% of the U.S. population at the time but accounted for about 25% of the combat troops in Vietnam.

Many African American soldiers faced racism and discrimination within the military, and some became disillusioned with the war effort as they observed the racial inequalities and injustices in both the military and American society as a whole. The civil rights movement also influenced African American soldiers and veterans to question the morality and purpose of the war.

Upon returning home, many African American veterans faced challenges in readjusting to civilian life, dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and overcoming the racial discrimination that persisted in American society. Despite their service and sacrifices, African American veterans did not always receive the same recognition or benefits as their white counterparts.

The Vietnam War era also saw the rise of prominent African American voices speaking out against the war, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who famously delivered his "Beyond Vietnam" speech in 1967, condemning the war as an unjust and immoral conflict. African American activists and organizations, such as the Black Panther Party and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), also mobilized against the war, seeing it as a form of oppression and imperialism.

Overall, the Vietnam War had a significant impact on Black history, shaping the experiences and consciousness of African Americans both on the battlefield and in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.