WAVES Officer's Blue Uniform Jacket

In November 1944, Harriet Ida Pickens and Frances Wills became the first two black WAVES officers. The WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) was established in 1942 and was the U.S. Navy’s branch for female volunteers during World War II. Pickens had a master’s degree in political science from Columbia University. She wore this uniform during her service with the WAVES.

Pickens and Wills were the only black WAVES officers. During World War II, there were approximately 86,000 WAVES. This included 72 black enlisted women and two black officers.