BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY: BLACK PEOPLE IN THE NAVY OTHER THE CENTURIES, PART 1 :

Starting with the British-American war of 1812 United  States Navy enlisted Black Sailors who served in the United States Navy were predominately Able Seamen and Ordinary Seamen. Able seamen were the most experience enlisted men and were more adept at sailing handling and other duties on the ship. During those days they definitely were not kept in the lowest ship board positions because of their race. During this war with the British, most of Black American Sailors came from  the three states New York, Pennsylvanian and Massachusetts, men from Delaware, Virginia, Louisiana and Maryland were also significant yet smaller presence.

Black Sailors from the Southern States would not admit to being from the Southern States for fear of being labeled runaway. The issues of Racism was difficult to tell as both Black and White held the same ranks. In that context most on board relationship was very good as the Black Sailors were judge on the skills and sailing experience rather than their color.