NEW ORLEANS – On Feb. 15, The National WWII Museum’s Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy will host a daylong symposium in honor of Black History Month and the museum’s special exhibition “Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II.” The symposium will provide a deep dive into the significant role Black servicemembers and Home Front workers played in securing Allied victory abroad, even as they faced discrimination at home. Articles, oral histories, photographs and other content related to African American contributions in World War II can be found here.
Free and open to the public, the program will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Throughout the day, distinguished authors and historians, such as Matthew Delmont, PhD, and Jinx Broussard, PhD, and exhibition advisors, including John Morrow, PhD, Traci Parker, PhD, and guest curator Krewasky Salter, PhD, will discuss themes highlighted by the exhibit. Topics will range from the turbulent interwar years and challenges faced by Black servicemembers returning from World War I to the accomplishments of African Americans during World War II in the face of racial discrimination. Guests will also hear a behind-the-scenes discussion on the creation of Fighting for the Right to Fight during a special presentation by Museum Curator & Restoration Manager Cory Graff, with an opportunity to view the special exhibit.
The program will conclude with a look at the postwar period, highlighting how the war affected Black Americans as they continued to fight for civil rights and justice at home, fueling the growing Civil Rights Movement and paving the way for broader social change.
Following the symposium, a closing reception at 5 p.m. will include additional exhibit viewing time.
In-person registration is still available. The symposium will also be livestreamed. Visit the event webpage for information.
The symposium is presented by the Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Foundation.
Fighting for the Right to Fight is presented in honor of Corporal Warren J. Donald, Sr. by the Arnold Donald Family and on display in New Orleans thanks to additional support from Dr. Bobby and Mrs. Lori Kent Savoie and Timber and Peggy Floyd.
Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The National WWII Museum
BB’s Stage Door Canteen
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
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