- In 1966 and 1967, African American women opposed to the war in Vietnam raised placards and voices condemning the war and its destructive effect on their communities. Ironically, the war in Vietnam was the first fought by racially integrated U.S. forces. It took a tremendous toll on African American soldiers. Department of Defense data clearly showed that African American men were more likely than their white counterparts to be sent to Vietnam, assigned to combat duty, and wounded or killed. The participation of African Americans in the antiwar movement significantly strengthened it. By joining in the protest, African American women continued a long and heroic tradition of struggle for freedom and justice.
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