"The Physicist's War:" Dr. Herman Branson and the Scientific Training of African Americans during World War II

"The Physicist's War:" Dr. Herman Branson and the Scientific Training of African Americans during World War II

Herman Branson in laboratory with equipment.

Herman Branson in laboratory with equipment.

AIP Emilio Segre Visual Archives, gift of Dr. Herman Branson.

In this lesson plan, students will learn about the mobilization of African American “war workers” at Historically Black Colleges and Universities during World War II.  They will learn more specifically about well-known African American physicist Herman Branson and read about his assessment of the role of African Americans and HBCUs in preparing technical personnel for World War II.