The Navy formally admits African American women into the Navy

October 19

On October 19, 1944, President Roosevelt and the Navy formally admitted African American women into the Navy. 

In 1944, President Roosevelt and the Navy announced the decision to allow African American women into the Navy. Shortly thereafter WAVES selected two black recruits Harriet Ida Pickens and Frances Eliza Willis to enlist in the Navy. On December 26, 1944, Harriet Ida Pickens and Frances Eliza Willis earned communion becoming the first African American Navy officers. 

Despite the integration of the Navy in 1944, African American men and women still faced discrimination, racism and lack of representation.

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Sources

African American Navy Officers

WAVES First African American Officers