Black History Month: Debunking the 10 biggest myths about black history

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10. Blacks didn’t fight in America’s wars until World War II

Black people fought in every American war, including the Revolutionary War. Washington allowed black soldiers to enlist due to troop shortages. At least 5,000 blacks fought for the patriot side of the war, according to the National Park Service, and between 75,000 and 100,000 slaves escaped to the British side, with at least 20,000 fighting for the Crown. In 1779, over 500 free Haitian blacks fought for American independence at the siege of Savannah, Georgia. During the War of 1812, most Naval ship crews were 10-20 percent black, and as many as one-quarter of the Navy seamen were black.

According to the National Archives, 179,000 black men served during the Civil War in the Union Army — 1 in 10 soldiers — and 19,000 in the Navy. Nearly 40,000 black soldiers died in the Civil War. Further, more than 350,000 African-Americans fought in World War I.

Black Americans, like other Americans, have served their country and left an indelible mark on this nation. Black history is part of American history, and our contributions should be celebrated.

Follow David A. Love on Twitter at @davidalove