Document D-011

Document D-011

Document of Military Payment Voucher

Upon receiving a document as a Black service member, one encounters a stark

reminder of the pervasive racial attitudes of the time. In this document, the

significance lies in the categorization of the service member’s servant, referred to

simply as “Sam,” as a “Black Boy.” This term not only underscores the racial

hierarchy and dehumanization prevalent during that time but also highlights the

entrenched system of servitude. The document’s request for a detailed description of servants, including complexion, height, eyes, and hair, further emphasizes the objectification of individuals based on their race and their reduced status to mere physical attributes. It serves as a poignant illustration of the struggles against racial discrimination and the enduring legacy of inequality faced by African Americans, even in the context of military service.