The Bravery of African Americans of the Mass. 54th Regiment | By Kimberly L.

Blacks always wanted the same opportunities as whites, so when the Civil War began in 1861 many African American men saw/took the prospect to join the Union Army. Despite them enlisting they got turned down, because the color of their skin and was told the Civil War was a "white men's war".  It was until President Abraham Lincoln finally issued the Emancipation Proclamation in September 22, 1862 it became effective in January 1st, 1863 this permitted black citizens to fight and serve in the war just like they wanted.  Even though they were allowed in the Union army there was still prejudice against them, blacks  were not to be used in combat as extensively as whites might have been and segregation was also happening so during this time segregated units were formed with mostly black enlisted men and typically commended by white officers and black non commissioned officers. The Massachusetts 54th regiment was led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, his father was a wealthy Boston Abolitionists. Another obstacle black soldiers face was not being paid the same amount as the white soldiers Robert inspired them to boycott their pay so they decided to take no pay since they were not going to be paid the regular army wage $13 dollars  a month and this was because the color of their skin. Before their last battle they had fought in other engagements. The battle on Fort Wagner July 18th, 1863 claimed the lives of commanding officer, Robert Gould Shaw and 74 of his men. Although they lost the battle where almost half were killed, wounded or captured the black soldiers were seen as a demonstration for their skill, bravery and determination.  In Boston Massachusetts on Beacon Street  there is a monument of Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment in honor and reminder of the first African Americans to fight in that war.