During World War II, African Americans played a significant role both on the home front and in the military. Despite facing pervasive racism and segregation, many Black Americans joined the armed forces to fight for their country. The military was still segregated at the time, with Black soldiers and units facing discrimination and limited opportunities for advancement.

The most well-known group of Black servicemen during World War II were the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. They served with distinction and bravery, escorting bombers on missions in Europe and North Africa. The Tuskegee Airmen proved their skill and courage, challenging the racist beliefs that Black soldiers were not capable of being effective pilots.

On the home front, African Americans filled crucial roles in industries and factories to support the war effort. This period saw the beginning of the Great Migration, as many Black Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West to seek better job opportunities and escape the harsh realities of segregation.

Overall, World War II was a transformative period in Black history, as it highlighted the valor and contributions of African Americans in the fight for democracy and freedom, while also laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement that would gain momentum in the decades following the war.