Assistant Professor of History Chad Williams gave a lecture on June 3 to an audience of Hamilton and Kirkland alumni titled "African-American Soldiers and the Meaning of the First World War." The talk stemmed from his dissertation and research in black studies and was offered as an Alumni College as part of Reunions 2005 activities.
Throughout the 45-minute talk, Williams read excerpts from his dissertation, which was accompanied by a Powerpoint presentation of photographs from WWI. He began by describing The Houston Riot, a telling historical moment for African-Americans soon after the United States entered WWI, because it was a documented instance of racial discrimination involving the government, and more specifically, the War Department. Williams then went on to juxtapose the international warfare of WWI with the domestic struggle and fight against racism that many African-Americans were facing.
"World War I was the first opportunity for African Americans to assert themselves as citizens of the United States, and black troops played an important role in American society," Williams said. "African-Americans were less concerned with the war than they were worried about their domestic situation—segregation, white supremacy and lynch mobs." He explained that blacks did not separate fighting racism on the domestic front with fighting in the international war, and there was a disconnect between the ideal and realistic situations of black citizenship.
He went on to say that by the end of the war in 1918, approximately 370,000 black troops were enlisted, and two divisions in particular, the 92nd and 93rd, became renowned because they formed a band. Coined the "Harlem Hellfighters," this group is now credited with spreading jazz music to France, and as Williams described, they therefore 'played a cultural conduit role' for the United States.
Williams, whose research also included the poetry of W.E.B. DuBois, spoke of DuBois' impact during WWI, and quoted him as saying, "There was a contradiction between being American and being of African descent."
He noted how racism played a major role in how African-Americans considered their own service in the war, but also said that the experience of African-American troops was not entirely negative, for this was largely dependent upon class and region.
Williams explained that middle class soldiers and officers viewed their experience more negatively, while working class African-American soldiers interpreted the meaning of war in terms of their personal impact. Overall, their service greatly improved their lives, in terms of gaining healthcare and education, illiterates were taught how to read, and for rural sharecroppers, these experiences created a broadened sense of manhood.
Williams just completed his first year teaching in Hamilton's history department.
-- by Katherine Trainor
