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Event name

Island of Integration: The Desegregation of the U.S. Army

When

Thu 09 / 09 / 2021
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where

Online via Zoom

Who can attend

Members only (login required)

Limited Capacity: 38 spots available

Price

FREE

Island of Integration: The Desegregation of the U.S. Army
Presented by Army Women's Museum
Thursday September 9 at 11 am 

As our nation fought abroad in WWII, the stirrings of another fight were beginning at home. Follow the journey of African American men and women as desegregation begins in the U.S. Army. Witness the history being made at home and abroad by examining original photographs, documents, newspapers, and artifacts. This story carries us from Fort Des Moines, Iowa in 1942 to Camp Lee, Virginia in 1952.

We'll begin with a review of basic World War II history and introduction to two major groups of people involved in the war - GI Joes and WACs (Women's Army Corps). In an interactive discussion, you'll be introduced to two African American WACs who helped break barriers through their service during World War II - MAJ Charity Adams and LTC Harriet West Waddy. Together, we will examine primary sources from the USAWM archives to understand how the U.S. Army began racially desegrating years before the rest of American society.

You'll leave with a valuable understanding of the vast and lasting impact the establishment of the Women’s Army Corps had on many facets of American society. We will begin to gain a greater understanding of desegregation by analyzing primary source documents such as newspaper articles, political cartoons, facts, and photographs.

The U.S. Army Women's Museum serves as an educational institution, providing military history training and instruction to soldiers, veterans and the civilian community. The museum is the custodian and repository of artifacts and archival material pertaining to the service of women across all branches and organizations of the U.S. Army from inception to the present day. The museum collects, preserves, manages, interprets and exhibits these unique artifacts as a means to provide training and educational outreach.