African Americans in Times of War
Beginning February 1 an entire month of National recognition is given to honoring the history and contributions of African Americans.
The theme for Black History Month 2018 is “African Americans in Times of War” honoring the bold women and men who served their country especially those that paid the ultimate sacrifice as they defended the American ideals of freedom and democracy. During World War II more than 2.5 million Black men registered for the draft and one million served or volunteered in the various branches of the military.
In the segregated 92nd Division 12,000 Black men received citations or were decorated for “extraordinary heroism” in battle. The Tuskegee Airmen were legendary for their heroic feats and in total received Distinguished Unit Citation, several silver stars, 150 distinguished flying crosses, fourteen bronze stars, and 744 air medals.
After the war the brave efforts of these men help to lay the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement.
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The Harlem HellfightersDuring World War I Black men were not allowed to join the military service, but as the war in Europe continued America needed more soldiers. That is when the Selective Service Act was passed, and African Americans became part of the draft. General Pershing did not want Black and White soldiers fighting together on the field, so the Black soldiers were assigned to the French Army. The 369th Regiment made up less than one percent of the soldiers deployed, but was responsible for over twenty percent of the territory of all the land assigned to the United States. During the war the 369th's regimental band introduced jazz to Europe and became famous throughout the continent. The regiment was awarded the Croix de Guerre, the highest French military honor. Many of the soldiers were individually awarded the medal as well. | Tusgekee Airman Springfield, Missouri Steward Fulbright was born in Springfield, Missouri and inducted into the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame in 2012. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943. Steward Fulbright was one of about 1,000 men trained in Tuskegee, Alabama, as the first Black pilots, navigators, and bombardiers in the US military. He was, a trailblazer, Black educator and pilot during World War II as one of the Tuskegee Airmen. Fulbright later served as the first dean of the North Carolina Central University School of Business. Fulbright passed away on January 1, 2012 at the age of 92 In Durham North Carolina. | World War I Springfield, MissouriDuring World War I many Black Springfieldians enlisted and served. Myrl Billings (center in the picture) was born in Springfield Missouri and served with the famous 369th Infantry. He fought in six major campaigns and received the Croix de Guerre (the French “War Cross”, a military decoration created in 1915 and 1939 to reward feats of bravery) for aiding in capturing a German machine gun nest. He died at the age of 25 from the effects of being gassed during the war. In 1920, receiving full military honors Myrl Billing was buried in Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Springfield Missouri. Articles from the archives of Springfield History Museum |
The Harlem Hellfighters
During World War I Black men were not allowed to join the military service, but as the war in Europe continued America needed more soldiers. That is when the Selective Service Act was passed, and African Americans became part of the draft. General Pershing did not want Black and White soldiers fighting together on the field, so the Black soldiers were assigned to the French Army. The 369th Regiment made up less than one percent of the soldiers deployed, but was responsible for over twenty percent of the territory of all the land assigned to the United States. During the war the 369th's regimental band introduced jazz to Europe and became famous throughout the continent. The regiment was awarded the Croix de Guerre, the highest French military honor. Many of the soldiers were individually awarded the medal as well.
Tusgekee Airman Springfield, Missouri
World War I Springfield, Missouri
During World War I many Black Springfieldians enlisted and served. Myrl Billings (center in the picture) was born in Springfield Missouri and served with the famous 369th Infantry. He fought in six major campaigns and received the Croix de Guerre (the French “War Cross”, a military decoration created in 1915 and 1939 to reward feats of bravery) for aiding in capturing a German machine gun nest. He died at the age of 25 from the effects of being gassed during the war. In 1920, receiving full military honors Myrl Billing was buried in Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Springfield Missouri.
Articles from the archives of Springfield History Museum
What's In Your Tool Box?
Mining the Jewel of Black History Month by Emily Chiariello
Planning Black History Month using the faithful few like Harriet Tubman, Dr. King or Jackie Robinson gives a limited view of the great contribution of African American’s in the United States. Black History is our history and its incorporation into our curriculum throughout the year is vital. Teaching Tolerance’s article on Mining the Jewels of Black History suggest ways to involve the entire school community in teaching this rich history without falling into the pitfalls of the “heroes and holidays.”
- Assemble a Black History Month committee of students and staff (all staff, not just teachers).
- Move Black History Month out of the social studies classroom and into the school community: which will empower students and let their vision guide.
- Incorporate local Black History into your curriculum.
- Students can organize performance teams to reenact their chosen moment in Black History during an assembly, the school choir could sing the Black National Anthem and everyone will learn something new.
- Share the names of some Influential African American Leaders for your class to research:
Maggie Lena Walker
John Henrik Clarke
Frankie Muse Freeman
Medgar Evers
Shirley Chisholm
Percy Julian
Joan Higginbotham
Carter G. Woodson
Mary McLeod Bethume
Martin Delany
Frances Cress Welsing
Bass Reeves
Ida B. Wells
Crispus Attucks
Mining the Jewel of Black History Month
Book of the Month
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson examines the story of American History and African Americans told by a one-hundred-year-old female narrator. It tells the story of the unwavering courage and perseverance that advanced liberty and justice in America. Heart and Soul is about people of color who would not be discriminated against and triumphed with determination and grit to achieve liberty and justice for all. Heart and Soul has won several awards including the 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Award and Illustrator Honor, and was the recipient of five starred reviews. It also features eight pages of discussion and curriculum material.
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African History is available in Springfield Public Schools Libraries.
