by Colby Thelen for News9

This Black History Month, a Moore educator is making sure a chapter of American history is no longer overlooked.

Jennifer Billy, a first-year teacher at Highland East Junior High School, created a lesson plan focused on the unsung heroes of World War I, the Harlem Hellfighters, bringing their legacy into her classroom.

Who Were the Harlem Hellfighters?

The Harlem Hellfighters, formally known as the 369th Infantry Regiment, were an all-Black unit based in New York. During World War I, they were assigned to serve under French command because many white American units refused to fight alongside them.

Despite discrimination at home and within the military, the 369th became the longest-serving American unit in the war, spending 191 days in combat. They never lost a foot of ground to the enemy and were widely honored by the French government for their bravery.

However, when they returned home to the United States, their accomplishments were largely ignored.

Why This Lesson Matters

Billy said she has always been drawn to the story because of what it represents.

The men of the 369th volunteered to fight for democracy abroad, even as they faced segregation and racism at home.

“They knew if they fought for democracy on the world stage, that it would eventually apply to them,” Billy said. “This paved the way for those other Black Americans to say, ‘Look what we’ve been doing for our country — we deserve that too.’”

She said the regiment’s service laid important groundwork for future generations in the fight for civil rights.

Bringing History Into the Present

More than 100 years later, the legacy of the 369th is taking on a new role as teachers.

Billy said she hopes her students not only understand the regiment’s contributions, but also see themselves reflected in the lessons of courage and determination.

“It doesn’t matter your size and what race you are, what gender you are,” she said. “Don’t count yourself out. Don’t let anyone else count [you] out either.”

Through the story of the Harlem Hellfighters, Billy said she wants her students to recognize that heroism and patriotism come in many forms, and that history is fuller when every story is told.