Spotlight

Black History Month

The Defense Department recognizes the bravery and exceptional service of Black military and civilian personnel and celebrates the richness and diversity of their achievements during February and all year.

Pentagon Exhibit Honors Military Contributions of African Americans

A long view down a corridor with both walls lined with displays of text, images and cases containing artifacts.

Display Entrance - An exhibit honors the military contributions of African Americans along a corridor at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic wall display depicting African Americans who served in the military during the First Gulf War through text and images.

Breaking Barriers - An infographic depicts African Americans who served in the military during the First Gulf War in a display at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

A graphic of text and photos depicting African Americans who served in the military is shown on a wall next to a glass door.

African American Exhibit - A wall graphic depicts African Americans who served in the military is shown on a panel of an exhibit at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

A full-scale wall graphic with text and photos shows African Americans who served in the military.

If We Must Fight - A graphic depicting African Americans who served in the military is shown on a panel of an exhibit at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic of pictures and text on a wall depicting African Americans who served in the military during 9/11 and The War on Terror.

9/11 & War on Terror - An infographic depicts African Americans who served in the military during 9/11 and The War on Terror in a wall display at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

A display case holds numerous artifacts of service members throughout history.

Case Display - Artifacts including a model of an Air Force F-4C Phantom II; Sgt. Maj. Edgar R. Huff's walking stick; Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr.'s rank insignia and astronaut badge; Maj. Gen. Marcelite J. Harris’ ribbon rack and Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen Jr.'s rank insignia are displayed at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic depicting African Americans who served in the military during Global Security: 1990s and beyond is displayed with pictures and text on a wall.

Global Security - An infographic depicts African Americans who served in the military during Global Security: 1990s and beyond, in a display at at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic wall display depicts African Americans in the Vietnam War with pictures and text.

Vietnam War - An infographic display depicting African Americans who have served in the military during the Vietnam War at the Pentagon.

An infographic displays photos and text of African Americans who served in the military during the Interwar Years of 1919-1940.

Interwar Years - An infographic depicts African Americans who served in the military during the Interwar Years of 1919-1940, in a display at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic display depicts photos and text about African Americans who served in the military during the Korean War.

Display About Korean War - An infographic depicting African Americans who served in the military during the Korean War is displayed at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic display depicts photos and text about African Americans who served in the military during World War I.

World War I Display - An infographic depicts African Americans who served in the military during World War I in a display at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An display case shows artifacts including a French M15 Adrian Helmet, Stereograph cards, recruiting posters, 92nd and 93rd Infantry Division Patches and Freddie Stowers’ Medal of Honor.

Artifacts Display - A display of artifacts including a French M15 Adrian Helmet, Stereograph cards, recruiting posters, 92nd and 93rd Infantry Division Patches and Freddie Stowers' Medal of Honor is shown in a hallway exhibit honoring African Americans who served in the military at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic wall display depicts pictures and text about African Americans who served in the military during World War II.

World War II Display - An infographic depicting African Americans who served in the military during World War II is displayed at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic wall display depicting African Americans who served in the military during World War II includes pictures and text.

World War II - An infographic depicting African Americans who served in the military during World War II is displayed on a wall at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic display depicts pictures and text wit the title: Spanish American War.

Spanish American War Display - An infographic depicts African Americans who served in the military during the Spanish American War in a display at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic display of photos and text titled: War of 1812.

War of 1812 Display - An infographic depicting African Americans who served in the military during the War of 1812 is displayed at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic display of photos and text titled: the Indian Campaigns of 1866 to 1891.

Indian Campaigns - An infographic depicting African Americans who served in the military during the Indian Campaigns of 1866 to 1891 is displayed at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

A shadow box display contains the 26th United States Colored Infantry Regiment Banner - 1864, a firearm and other gear.

Banner Display - A display shows the 26th United States Colored Infantry Regiment Banner - 1864 and other gear at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

An infographic display depicts African Americans who have served in the military during the Colonial Wars and the American Revolution.

Colonial Wars and The American Revolution - An infographic display depicts African Americans who have served in the military during the Colonial Wars and the American Revolution at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

Civil War - An infographic display depicting African Americans who have served in the military during the American Civil War at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.

Display Title - A graphic depicting African Americans who have served in the military is shown on a panel of the exhibit at the Pentagon, Jan. 18, 2024.