The Negro Soldier

The film The Negro Soldier, directed by Carlton Moss during World War II, was a U.S. Army training film. Its primary goals were to foster patriotism among African Americans and promote racial harmony. The film is recognized as a significant work in African American filmmaking for its portrayal of the heroism and dignity of Black characters.1

The film's release coincided with a period when African Americans faced segregation and discrimination, making it difficult for them to work in Hollywood. Moss's work, including The Negro Soldier, inspired later Black filmmakers. The film's themes also resonate with the historical context of African American military service, such as the significant contributions of Black troops in the American Civil War following the Emancipation Proclamation.1