This page features views of celebrities visiting African-American trainees at Great Lakes during World War II.

For other pictorial coverage of African-Americans during World War II, see African Americans and the U.S. Navy World War II

For pictorial coverage of other eras, see African Americans and the U.S. Navy

The following pictures feature entertainers, political figures and other celebrities visiting African-American trainees at Great Lakes during World War II. The page Graduation Ceremonies contains other images relevant to this subject.
For additional views of Wartime training and other activities at Great Lakes, see:
General Views;
Graduation Ceremonies;
Field & Military Training;
Shore Patrol Training;
Recreation and Sports.

Click photograph for a larger image.

Photo #: NH 46873 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong, USN (Retired), at left, salutes President Franklin D. Roosevelt, during a Presidential tour of the station, circa 1942. Mrs. Roosevelt is also in the car, at right. LCdr. Armstrong was Officer in Charge of Negro recruit training at Great Lakes. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 74KB; 740 x 620
Photo #: 80-G-294748 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Guest Speaker Robert Lee Brokenburr, Indiana political figure, congratulates graduates at the Negro Service School graduation exercises, 13 October 1943. Note "Newsmap" issue of 19 July 1943 on the wall, giving information on war events, including the Sicily and New Georgia invasions. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 81KB; 740 x 610 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294804 Doris Miller, Mess Attendant First Class, USN Talking with three other sailors and a civilian, during his visit to the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, 7 January 1943. He is wearing the Navy Cross medal, awarded for heroism during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 85KB; 740 x 615 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294808 Doris Miller, Mess Attendant First Class, USN Speaking during a visit to the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, on 7 January 1943. He is wearing the Navy Cross medal, awarded for heroism during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 85KB; 740 x 615 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294760 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Pianist Hazel Scott signs autographs, during a guest appearance at the Negro Service School, 17 December 1943. Note uniform of man on left, with a letter "S" over a Figure Eight Knot on his jumper's right breast. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 70KB; 585 x 765 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294816 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Singer Marian Anderson presents a concert for the officers and men of the African-American regiments at NTS Great Lakes, 2 December 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 55KB; 585 x 765 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294845 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Audience for a concert presented by vocalist Paul Robeson, 16 July 1943. Note racially segregated seating. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 110KB; 740 x 600 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294849 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Paul Robeson in concert at the Station, 16 July 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 80KB; 580 x 765 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294850 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Paul Robeson autographs programs, during a concert he gave at the Station on 16 July 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 67KB; 740 x 610 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives

For higher resolution images see: Obtaining Photographic Reproductions