2021 Celebration of Black History - Day 27

Today we celebrate Black History with the fearless Harlem Hellfighters

After years of requesting an all-black unit in the National Guard, the governor of New York finally put the order into place. In January 1918, the all-black 369th Infantry Regiment, which would later become known as the Harlem Hellfighters, landed in France to fight in World War I.

With pressure coming from France, and no desire to desegregate combat units, the US agreed to hand over the 369th Infantry Regiment to the French to use as they saw fit for the war. The troops ended up fighting for 191 days, longer than any American troops prior, and received praises from the French and American public for their commitment and patriotism.

Watch this video to learn more: https://blackhistoryintwominutes.com/harlem-hellfighters-of-wwi

To learn more, read here: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/who-were-the-harlem-hellfighters/