Two Colored women with the American Expeditionary Forces

"Two Colored Women With the American Expeditionary Forces" by Addie W. Hunton and Kathryn M. Johnson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work recounts the experiences of two African American women serving in the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) as they support colored soldiers during World War I. The authors highlight the contributions, struggles, and sacrifices of African Americans in the war effort, offering a unique perspective on their service and the racial dynamics of the time. The opening of the work serves as an introduction to the authors' motivations and the circumstances surrounding their deployment to France. They reflect on the call to serve and their initial preparations in America, capturing the emotional farewells to loved ones and the anxiety of heading into a war zone. Through their vivid recounting of personal experiences and the interactions they have with soldiers of color, the authors establish a connection that reveals their respect and admiration for these men, as well as the challenges they faced both in the war and due to racial prejudice. The beginning sets the tone for a narrative centered on courage, duty, and the dual struggle for democracy abroad and equality at home. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Addie Waites Hunton was an African-American suffragist, race and gender activist, writer, political organizer, and educator. In 1889, Hunton became the first black woman to graduate from Spencerian College of Commerce. She worked for the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), served as the national organizer for the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) from 1906 to 1910, and served in the U.S. Army during World War I. Hunton was a regular participant in the work of the Equal Suffrage League.