GI Joe was first out with the African-American (Black) figure in 1965. This figures were available only as the Action Soldier and changed into the others in 1969 as the Adventure Team took off. Recently the black solider can be seen in reproduction such as the "Coming Home" series from Wal-Mart and the Tuskegee Fighter Pilot & Bomber.

These are some good reference books for GI Joe

I will try to indicate some good GI Joe history, but for the moment look at these pictures to bring back some memories.  If you have some old GI Joe items, especially in the original box, you want to sell please drop me a note @ steve@mysite4u.com .