| When the U.S. joined the war in 1917, Americans from all walks of life wanted to “do their bit.” This included African American women, who found a variety of ways to support the war effort amid rampant racism and sexism. Regardless of skin color, American women were not given duty in combat roles. But they did serve in other ways: a loophole in the Naval Reserve Act of 1916 allowed women to join the Navy in non-combat roles such as in clerical and administrative positions. Approximately 11,000 women served as Yeoman (F), with the vast majority being white women. However, 14 Black women, later nicknamed the Golden Fourteen, served in the Muster Roll section in Washington, D.C. These women tracked naval personnel ship assignments, noting both changes in assignments and commands. African American women also served as Motor Corps drivers with the Red Cross and the National League for Women’s Service. Often using their own vehicles, they provided transportation for soldiers to military camps, hospitals and canteens throughout the U.S. 18 Black nurses served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps stateside. They were segregated from white nurses and only allowed to care for Black soldiers or German prisoners of war. READ MORE >> |
