National Museum of the U.S. Navy

Despite the call for Sailors with engineering skills with the U.S. Navy growing with more complex ships, African Americans were not allowed in those rates and mainly worked as clerks, stewards, and messmen.  

Other resources:

Downloadable African American Pamphlet

NHHC African American Experience

Image:   NH 91202:  USS New Jersey (BB-16), March 1915.   Four African American Sailors of the ship's landing party.