Fictional and Historical Narratives of African American Soldiers of WWII

Author

Abigail Rae Stewart, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Fall 12-13-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Southern Studies

First Advisor

Kathryn McKee

Second Advisor

Matt O'Neal

Third Advisor

Owen Hyman

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This thesis examines the experiences of African American soldiers during World War II through the dual lenses of oral histories and fictionalized accounts, arguing that both are essential to fully understanding their multifaceted journeys at home and abroad. Oral histories provide direct, personal narratives from veterans themselves, capturing their voices, emotions, and reflections on the discrimination, camaraderie, and resilience that defined their wartime and postwar lives. These firsthand accounts offer invaluable insights into the structural realities of systemic racism within the military and society, as well as the personal sacrifices these soldiers made in the name of a country that often failed to acknowledge their contributions.

By comparing the strengths of oral histories with the imaginative and symbolic depth of fiction, this thesis argues that these two narrative forms together provide a richer, more comprehensive understanding of African American soldiers’ experiences. Oral histories preserve the veterans’ voices, grounding our knowledge in historical reality, while fiction extends that reality into the emotional and psychological realms, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering empathy. Through this interdisciplinary approach, this research seeks to honor the contributions and sacrifices of African American soldiers in World War II while offering a deeper appreciation of the complexities of their experiences. By weaving together fact and imagination, this thesis not only captures the realities of their service but also the lasting impact of their stories on how we understand the intersections of race, war, and memory.

Recommended Citation

Stewart, Abigail Rae, "Fictional and Historical Narratives of African American Soldiers of WWII" (2024). Honors Theses. 3186.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3186

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