kori doran - fighting for the right to fight

November 11, 2024 – August 17, 2025

This redeveloped exhibition, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII, synthesized the socio-political dynamics of African Americans during the WWII era. Touching on the backstory of African American history before World War I, this exhibition provided an overview of the contributions veterans made while fighting abroad and their return to lead the Civil Rights Movement, leaving a lasting imprint on the lives we lead today.

As visitors entered, they were enveloped by design inspired by the Double V campaign, a movement geared towards achieving victory in fighting fascism abroad and systemic racism at home. Within the exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to follow the lives of four inspirational leaders throughout each exhibit chapter: Charles H. Houston, Olivia Hooker, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and Jr., and A. Philip Randolph. Interactive biographies of other veterans were also available for visitors to explore.

The Curation, Collections, and Exhibits Department at The National WWII Museum (NWWIIM) worked closely with Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) to design this modular exhibition system. Additional graphic design decisions were made by the NWWIIM Exhibits team, who produced the final files and adjustments necessary for the show’s debut and travel. This traveling exhibition debuted in the Senator John Alario, Jr. Special Exhibit Gallery at The National WWII Museum.

Awards:
Gold Winner, MUSE Design Awards, 2025
Gold Winner, Graphis Design Awards, 2026

Click to learn more.