Color of Freedom

While all women in the United States Armed Forces share a history of discrimination based on gender, women of color have faced barriers of gender, race and traditional cultural values in their pursuit of opportunity for service in the armed forces. Through persistent efforts in demanding inclusion for their right to serve, women of color have seen their roles across society and all sectors tremendously expanded, including their presence in today’s military.

Born during a time when our country seeks healing amid persistent calls to dismantle systemic racism, this exhibit seeks to highlight the diversity of women of color in the nation’s defense. Across the decades and for all the challenges, women of color still found meaning and value in serving in uniform despite the military’s shortcomings and history of systemic discrimination on multiple fronts—from race, gender, ethnicity and national origin to sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Color of Freedom highlights stories from some of the many women of color who have served within and alongside the U.S. Armed Forces.

Purchase Daily Admission Ticket

The Color of Freedom
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Jeanine McIntosh Menze

Jeanine McIntosh Menze

U.S. Coast Guard, 2003–Present

Born in Jamaica, Jeanine (McIntosh) Menze grew up watching airplanes fly into Kingston International Airport. Ignited early on with a deep love of flying.

Charity Adams Earley

Charity Adams Earley

Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), World War II Women’s Army Corps (WAC), World War II

Reflected in the 2024 movie, in 1942, Charity (Adams) Earley became the first Black commissioned officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), later the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).

Jasmin Moghbeli

Jasmin Moghbeli

U.S. Marine Corps, NASA, 2005–Present

A young Jasmin Moghbeli wanted to be an astronaut when she grew up. Today, she is the first astronaut of Iranian descent, and a potential candidate to be the first woman on the moon.

Charity Adams Earley Uniform

Charity Adams Earley

Women’s Army Corps Battledress Uniform, World War II

Charity (Adams) Earley Collection, MWM

 

Daily Admission Ticket

The Remembered Light Stained-Glass Exhibit and Color of Freedom are included in daily admission.

Purchase Daily Admission Ticket