World War II was a transformative period in Black history, both in the United States and globally. African Americans played a significant role in the war effort, despite facing discrimination and segregation within the military and society at large.

During WWII, over a million African Americans served in the U.S. military, many in segregated units. The most well-known of these units was the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The Tuskegee Airmen distinguished themselves with their skill and bravery in combat missions, ultimately helping to break down racial barriers in the military.

On the home front, African Americans contributed to the war effort by working in factories and industries that were essential to supporting the troops overseas. This period of increased employment opportunities in industries such as defense manufacturing helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement that would follow in the post-war years.

The war also had significant impacts on the global struggle for freedom and decolonization. Many African Americans saw the hypocrisy of fighting for freedom and democracy abroad while facing systemic racism and discrimination at home. This realization helped galvanize the civil rights movement and inspired African nations in their fight against European colonial rule.

Overall, WWII was a pivotal moment in Black history, as it highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans in the war effort and laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement that would come to define the struggle for equality in the years that followed.