Happy Black History Month! It is wonderful to celebrate another year recognizing African-Americans for all the achievements and accomplishments in America and around the world. We are still here and continue to make our mark despite the injustices we face today. We celebrate the legacy of so many individuals who have been able to change our society, impact the way we see the world, and helped to move our culture whether it is through music, film, dance, art, or sports. Many individuals include Madame CJ Walker, Sojourner Truth, Alvin Ailey, Jessie Owens, Jackie Robinson, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, John Lewis, Kerry James Marshall, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Harriet Tubman, Amy Sherald, James Brown, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Oprah, President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and so many others. These are the names we recognize as black excellence.
Museums are key to helping us realize our past is not so far away. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a sacred place to make sure African-Americans history is told as American History. In the new exhibit, We Return Fighting: World War One and the shaping of Black Identity, it explores the stories of African-American soldiers and nurses during World War One. They had to fight to not only be included in the war, but be recognized for their efforts when they returned back to America. The exhibit is filled with artifacts highlighting so many aspects of their lives. It allows young people to feel connected to people who at one time were young just like them so they can relate to the problems faced in World War One.
Dr. Krewasky Salter, curator of the “We Return Fighting” exhibit
Last December, I had the opportunity to preview the exhibit before it was opened to the public. Dr. Krewasky Salter, the curator of the exhibit, gave us a tour explaining the history of the artifacts. I also had a chance to hear from the historians and scholars who helped to bring the exhibit to life. Dr. Spencer Crew, the Interim Director for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dr. Lisa Budreau, senior military history at the Tennessee State Museum. Dr. John Morrow, Franklin Professor of History at the University of Georgia. Dr. Curtis Young, visiting professor of American Literature at ESSEC Grandes Ecoles Paris. And Carlos Bustamente, associate director for project management and planning at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The panel was led by activist and host of Make it Plain, Mark Thompson. It was an enlightening and empowering day to hear and see ordinary citizens who served this country have their stories be told.
Dr. Lisa Budreau, military historian for the “We Return Fighting” exhibit
The exhibit will remain open until June 14th, 2020. Be sure to hurry to Washington D.C. before it leaves. In the meantime, listen to this episode to learn a different perspective about World War One.
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