B H This Day in Black History

July 26

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July 26, 1948

Executive Order 9981 Desegregates Military

On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, declaring "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin." This landmark order began the process of desegregating the U.S. military.

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People: Harry Truman

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