Several books have been published with information on African Americans in World War II and the civil rights movement, some within the last few years.  If you're curious and want to learn more, check out our recommended resources:

Books

 Brothers in Arms: The Epic Story of the 761st Tank Battalion, WWII's Forgotten Heroes.  2004.  Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem and Anthony Walton.  Broadway.  New York.

In this inspiring book, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recounts the courageous story of the first all-black tank battalion to see combat in WWI including page-turning interviews with surviving members of the 761st Battalion and their families.

Honoring Sergeant Carter: Redeeming a Black World War II Hero's Legacy.  2004.  Carter, A. and R. Allen.  HarperCollins.  New York.

 The book relates the heroic war story of Carter's father-in-law, Sergeant Edward A. Carter II.  A hero of WWII's Rhineland campaign; he was refused permission to reenlist in the army in 1949 because of his prior service in the Spanish Civil War.  For years, with the help of the ACLU, he fought unsuccessfully for an explanation of the charges against him.  In 1997, over 30 years after his death, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Medal of Honor and apologized for the treatment he received.  This book provides just one more specific example of the personal struggles endured by African Americans who served in the military during WWII.

 United States Army in World War II.  The Technical Services.  The Quartermaster Corps: Operations in the War Against Germany.  U.S. Government Printing Office.  2004.  Ross, W. and C. Romanus.  Washington, D.C.

 This book is a great reference for much more in-depth information about Quartermaster Truck Units during WWII.

 A Life is More Than a Moment: The Desegregation of Little Rock's Central High.  1999.  Counts, Will.   Indiana University Press.  Bloomington.

 This book, by photojournalist Will Counts, does an excellent job of linking African American servicemen and women with the civil rights movement.  The book includes the stunning photographs that shocked the conscience of the United States in 1957.  This picture of Alex Wilson, a former United States serviceman, being beaten by the angry mob, so enraged President Eisenhower, former Supreme Commander of the U.S. Armed Forces, that he ordered 1200 paratroopers from the 101st Airborne to restore order in Little Rock, Arkansas.  He also federalized the Arkansas National Guard to stop the "disgraceful occurrences".  At this crucial point, Alex Wilson, was not just an African American to President Eisenhower; he was a former member of the United States military and did not deserve to be treated with cruelty, but rather with respect.  The Civil Rights Movement was taking important steps, both by the contributions of African Americans in the military being realized and through the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock.

 TAPS for a Jim Crow Army: Letters from Black Soldiers in World War II.  1983.  McGuire, Phillip.  ABC-Clio, Inc. Santa Barbara.

 This book is full of pertinent historical information concerning blacks in WWI.  The individual letters provide first-hand accounts of black soldiers and some of the shocking instances of discrimination they encountered in the military.

 The Negro in World War II.  1969.  Silvera, John D.  Arno Press, Inc.  New York.

 A wonderful pictorial tribute to African Americans who fought in all branches of the Armed Forces (except the Marines and Air Force who did not accept African American soldiers) during WWII.  This book also includes informative text and captions that complement the pictures well. 

 Film

The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices (2000)

Run time:  58 minutes

This powerful, award winning documentary looks at World War II through the eyes of people whose service to America has often been overlooked in the mainstream depictions of the war.  The focus is on the more than one million African-American service men and women who gave their loyalty, blood, and lives to protect a country that denied them the very freedoms for which they were fighting. Their previously unheard voices are raised in interviews that speak candidly of their accomplishments under conditions of racism. Among the veterans who tell their stories in the program are unsung D-Day hero Waverly Woodson, who pulled drowning soldiers from the bloody waters; Edward Brooke, the first black U.S. senator in the 20th century and a veteran of a key Italian campaign; and Senator Daniel Inouye, who owes his life to African-American soldiers.  Julian Bond, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NAACP raves, "The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices' is a rare and important contribution to preserving an accurate history of America.  The film should be a requirement for schools throughout the nation."

African Americans in WWII: A Legacy of Patriotism and Valor (1998)

Run time:  60 minutes

On January 13, 1997, seven African American soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for actions performed in WWII.  These seven honored soldiers have come to symbolize the remarkable contributions of all African Americans who served our country in all wars.  In "A Legacy of Patriotism and Valor", war veterans from all military branches recount their personal experiences from WWII.  Archival film footage woven between their accounts helps to bring their stories to life.  Also included is a moving tribute by General Colin Powell and comments from former President Bill Clinton.