Benjamin Clanton and Meghan Campbell, Government Publications

There is no doubting that African Americans have played an integral role in the armed forces of the United States, from our nation’s inception up to the present day. They have served this country and put themselves in harm’s way to help preserve the ideals of freedom and liberty that have often been denied to them over the past two and a half centuries. Whether it be during the Revolutionary War to found the nation, the American Civil War to save the Union and end slavery, World War II to defeat fascism, or in the modern struggles to find equality and recognition for their contributions, African Americans have given everything possible, including the highest sacrifice, in the American armed forces. For example, recent decades have seen the rise of Colin Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants, to the greatest heights of the United States military, which propelled him to becoming Secretary of State during the George W. Bush administration. We here in Government Publications would like to use this opportunity during Black History Month to highlight some of the resources in our collection that honor and examine the sterling history of African American military service.

• Combat Multipliers: African-American Soldiers in Four Wars
• Patriots of Color: African Americans and Native Americans at Battle Road & Bunker Hill
• African American Civil War Memorial (National Park Service)
• Freedom by the Sword: The U.S. Colored Troops, 1862-1867
• Nothing But Praise: A History of the 1321^st Engineer General Service Regiment
• The Right to Fight: African-American Marines in World War II
• Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Leavenworth in the 1930s and Early 1940s
• Black Americans in Defense of Our Nation
• Path Breakers: U.S. Marine African American Officers in Their Own Words
• ‘American Foreign Policy: Opportunities and Challenges’ by Colin Powell
• ‘Foreign Policy in a Time of Transition’ by Colin Powell
• Nomination of Colin L. Powell To Be Secretary of State

Bonus link!

Frederick Douglass is truly one of the great historical figures of the United States. After escaping slavery, Douglass became one of the greatest champions of abolition and social justice in 19^th century America. His autobiography is still considered one of the greatest works of American literature ever produced, invaluable in its condemnation of slavery as an institution. Here is a link exploring the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., preserved by the National Park Service. Please enjoy!