Hattiesburg USO was a Sanctuary During World War II
Video by Eric Brandner and Chad Stewart
HATTIESBURG, Mississippi—“It was like heaven.”
The words of World War II-era USO volunteer Vermell Jackson echo the sentiments of the photos and encased artifacts at the African American Military History Museum here. The museum – once the home of a rare segregated USO – still displays many happy memories from what was an otherwise trying time in America.
The USO was established on a policy of inclusion during a time of racial tension. Still, there were some areas of the country where having an inclusive center was deemed too much of a risk. That’s why the USO established a Blacks-only center in Hattiesburg on March 22, 1942, providing a community hub for African American service members stationed at nearby Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
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There, Black service members – many of whom were preparing to deploy – could get the same USO programs and services as their white counterparts without having to deal with the issues that could arise in downtown Hattiesburg.
“[The service members were] elated to have a place to call a home away from home,” Jackson said. “And that was a big thing in my life.”
You can send a message of support and thanks directly to service members via the USO’s Campaign to Connect. Your messages will appear on screens at USO locations around the world.
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
