The Golden 14: The Forgotten Story of the Navy’s First Black Women Enlistees

The Golden 14 represented the pioneering spirit of Black women as they became the first to enlist in the U.S. Navy, stepping forward during America's involvement in World War I. Their service, while innovative, was almost forgotten by time.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ran a campaign to maintain U.S. neutrality in the face of war. However, following Germany's reinitiation of unrestricted submarine warfare in early 1917, Wilson declared war. Confronted with a shortage of personnel, the Navy referred to the Naval Act of 1916, which permitted “all persons” to enlist in the reserves.

This loophole was initially employed to enlist white women in clerical positions, allowing men to be available for combat. Nonetheless, John T. Risher, a Black supervisor, recognized a chance. He appointed 14 Black women—who had previously faced denial of enlistment—to administrative roles in the Muster Roll Division in Washington, D.C.

Even while demonstrating exceptional service, the Golden 14 encountered segregation and sexism. The Navy offered no housing or dining facilities for women, particularly for Black women, compelling them to secure their living arrangements. Nonetheless, their efforts were essential.

By the conclusion of the war, more than 11,000 women had served in the Navy, yet the contributions of these trailblazing Black women remained unacknowledged. Another two decades would pass before Black women were entirely accepted into military service. Their bravery laid the groundwork for future officers such as Harriet Pickens and Frances Wills, the first Black female U.S. Navy officers.

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