A Century of Black History Commemorations

Black Americans have served in every U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

This year's Black History Month theme celebrates the rich history of African American achievements and contributions across politics, arts, science, and social justice. The article highlights the service and sacrifice of Black soldiers in the U.S. military, from the Revolutionary War to World War II, overcoming segregation and pioneering advancements in bravery and leadership.

Why it matters

Black History Month is an important annual commemoration that recognizes the integral role African Americans have played in shaping American society and history. Highlighting the military service and heroism of Black soldiers helps educate the public about the long and proud tradition of African Americans defending the nation, often in the face of discrimination.

The details

The article profiles several notable African American patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War, including Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem, and Salem Poor. It also provides key facts about the significant contributions of Black soldiers in later conflicts, such as the 'Harlem Hellfighters' of World War I, the 761st Tank Battalion in World War II, and the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen. These units overcame segregation and discrimination to make crucial impacts on the battlefield.

  • The 2026 Black History Month theme is 'A Century of Black History Commemorations'.
  • Crispus Attucks was killed on March 5, 1770 during the Boston Massacre, considered the first casualty of the Revolutionary War.
  • Peter Salem fought at the battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts in 1775.
  • Salem Poor was commended for his bravery at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775.
  • The 369th Infantry, known as the 'Harlem Hellfighters', fought in France for 191 days during World War I, longer than any other American unit.

The players

Crispus Attucks

An African American patriot who was the first to die in the American Revolution, killed during the Boston Massacre in 1770.

Peter Salem

An African American patriot who fought alongside his former owners at the battles of Lexington and Concord, and is credited with killing British Major John Pitcairn during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Salem Poor

An African American patriot who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 and was commended for his bravery, later credited with killing British Lieutenant Colonel Abercrombie.

The 369th Infantry

An all-Black regiment known as the 'Harlem Hellfighters' that fought in France for 191 days during World War I, longer than any other American unit.

The 761st Tank Battalion

The first exclusively African American armored unit in the U.S. Army to fight during World War II, also called 'Patton's Panthers'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The service and sacrifice of African American soldiers throughout U.S. history is a testament to their patriotism and perseverance in the face of adversity. Their heroic actions and pioneering achievements have left an indelible mark on American society and deserve to be commemorated and remembered.