Blacks in World War I : A Centennial Veterans Remembrance

We invite veterans and their families together with the general public to attend this engaging, interactive and educational World War I and America Centennial remembrance event as we explore the contributions of Black men and women during World War I. During this event we are also providing community training for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VCP) to put veterans photos, letters, and oral histories to the Library of Congress digital archives.

THE AGENDA

10:00-10:30a – Registration. Breakfast pastries, coffee, juice, tea and water provided.

10:30-11:30a – The History Project Training with Owen Rogers – Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) – Since 2012, Owen Rogers has served as Liaison Specialist for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), effecting intersections among community voices, archival holdings, and creating digital projects that inclusively interpret veterans’ narratives. Public facing projects reflect field work and experience in the context of “born digital” archives, including both the New Haven Oral History Project and CCSU Veterans History Project. He is an At-Large Board Member for the Oral History in the Mid Atlantic Region (OHMAR) organization and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the University of Connecticut – Storrs and a Master of Arts Degree in Public History from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU).

11:30a-12:00p – Q&A, sharing of veteran photos, letters, oral history appointments, etc.

12:00 – 1:00p – World War I and America Short Documentaries, Readings, Open Discussions
(Lunch provided)

• World War I and America Timeline – Cheryle Moses, Digital Content Producer, Urban Mediamakers, Publisher of BlackGwinnett Magazine

• African American Soldiers During World War I – Adriane Lentz-Smith, Associate Professor, Duke University, History Department

• Black Women in World War I – Cheryle Moses, Digital Content Creator, Urban Mediamakers, Publisher of BlackGwinnett Magazine
• Race and World War I – Professor Chad Williams, Brandeis University

• W.E.B. Du Bois, “Close Ranks” The Crisis, July 1918
o Maurice Decaul, U.S. Marine, Poet and Playwright– Commentary
o Yusef Komunyakaa – Poet – Commentary 

• W.E.B. Du Bois, “Returning Soldiers” The Crisis, May 1919
o Maurice Decaul, U.S. Marine, Poet and Playwright– Commentary

• Charles Isum, Letter to W.E.B. Du Bois, “Returning Soldiers” The Crisis, May 1919

1:00-1:15 – Film Screenings

• World War I History: The Harlem Hellfighters Short Documentary – The Harlem Hellfighters were an African-American infantry unit in WWI who spent more time in combat than any other American unit. Despite their courage, sacrifice and dedication to their country, they returned home to face racism and segregation from their fellow countrymen. (7 mins.)

• Heroes of Color – An animation directed by David Heredia – Best Animation winner at the 16th Urban Mediamakers Film Festival 2017. (3 mins.)

1:15-1:45 – Discussion and Next Steps

Got Questions? 404.460.2793

This Urban Mediamakers program, in partnership with BlackGwinnett Magazine, is funded by the national initiative World War I and America of The Library of America presented in partnership with The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and other organizations, with generous support from The National Endowment for the Humanities.