AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN MILITARY

African American Women in Military

African American Women in Military

Introduction

African American women have played a role in every war effort in United States history. They endured physical discomfort and personal criticism, while many of their contributions were unrecognized and unrewarded. They placed themselves in danger's path - offering their abilities and strengths to preserve values and ensure freedom. Women stood side by side with fathers, husbands, and sons to nurse and comfort the suffering; they engaged in the danger of spying, chronicled the pain of war, and offered spiritual healing (Sheafer, 1996). In addition, black women faced racial and gender discrimination as part of their military service. Nevertheless, there were a number of “breakthrough” moments as they persistently pursued their right to serve.

These pioneering women simultaneously mastered the art of building and sustaining family and community life while dealing with wars. They were practiced folk healers, skilled seamstresses, quilters, knowledgeable parents, gardeners, cooks, and kept a storehouse of history and communal information. They knew how to press their skills into service for others. Throughout history, their networking and institution-building skills and their commitment to caring and sharing found expression in educational and health care efforts, campaigns to support the troops, and protests against many forms of discrimination (Lemke-Santangelo, 2003).

Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and the War of 1812

During the Revolutionary War, African-American women served as spies who kept Colonial authorities informed about the activities of the British. With the promise of freedom from slavery, they found innovative ways to assist. According to Lucy Terry's written accounts of the war, black women disguised themselves as men and fought side by side with them against the British. They took care of the white women's homes so that the white women could go near their husbands during engagements. Phyllis Wheatley expressed appreciation for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War through her writings. Later, he invited her to visit him at his headquarters in February of 1776.

Civil War (1861-1865)

During the Civil War, black women's service included nursing, domestic chores in medical settings, laundering and cooking for the soldiers. The Union Army paid black women to raise cotton on plantations for the northern government to sell.

Five black nurses served aboard the U.S. Navy hospital ship - Red Rover. Four names were recorded - Alice Kennedy, Sarah Kinno, Ellen Campbell, and Betsy Young. They also served in both Union and Confederate hospitals. As many as 181 black nurses (male and female) served in convalescent and U.S. government hospitals in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina (womensmemorial, 2010).

Women like Harriet Tubman were an inspiration during the Civil War. She served as a Union spy, an unpaid soldier, a volunteer nurse, and a freedom fighter. She earned the name "General" Tubman from the soldiers in the field.

Spanish American War (1898)

During the Spanish American War, black women continued to serve as nurses. The yellow fever and typhoid epidemics led Surgeon General Sternberg and Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee, Acting Assistant Surgeon in charge of nurses to seek female ...