African Americans, along with other racial groups, have faced many hardships within the United States, including racism and discrimination. They have faced barriers in gaining employment, participation in the Armed Forces, equal pay and housing, affecting their families and lifestyle. Laws and policies such as the Emancipation Proclamation opened doors for African Americans to be free and participate in the U.S. Armed Forces. Despite the laws passed, African Americans continued to face struggles economically and politically, which caused renowned African American leaders to take strong stances against injustice. Many of these injustices continue exist today. African Americans presence in the Armed Forces has been realized and their hard work has been rewarded throughout the years. Doors continued to open for African Americans allowing them to obtain leadership positions with the Armed Forces. Although society attempted to hold the African American back through inequality, they pressed their way through those barriers and are making a mark in U.S. history.