The Beginnings: 1942

In 1942, it became clear that World War II would drastically change the United States forever. The war would help bring racial equality to the American workforce and give Black soldiers the chance to serve in high-ranking military positions. This is the year when Black men and white men worked side by side in factories for the first time, creating supplies for the war. The year when thousands of proud African American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen flew on the frontlines of battle. And the year when the dark legacy of racism in the United States led to the imprisonment of a hundred thousand people of Japanese descent. America was fighting for freedom abroad, but there was much work to do at home.

This detailed account explains why 1942 was such a critical year in the civil rights movement.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The years from 1939 to 1954 were foundational to the civil rights movement. Resistance was often met with violence against Black Americans struggling to end discrimination and segregation. Yet the courage of those yearning for equal opportunities under the law continued to persevere and set the stage for the pivotal events of the late 1950s and 1960s.

With stunning photographs throughout and rich back matter, each book focuses on a specific year and chronologically follows the detailed events that occurred and the changes that took place.