Black History Month - African Americans in Times of War

This year’s theme is “African Americans in Times of War.” 

Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, the president of the Association for the Study of African American Life, said "Times of war inevitably provide the framework for many stories related to African American soldiers, veterans and civilians. This year’s Black History Month theme is filled with paradoxes of valor and defeat, of civil rights opportunities and setbacks, of struggles abroad and at home, and of catastrophic loss of life and the righteous hope for peace. Black History Month is our time to focus national attention on the significant events and achievements of African Americans who advanced freedom and democracy,” 

Stop by the Library Lobby to see our display of books and photos of African Americans in Times of War. 

Also, in keeping with custom and tradition for the past several years, the Deputy Postmaster General of the United States Ronald Stroman revealed the 2018 Black Heritage Forever stamp, which honors legendary Hollywood performer and civil rights activist Lena Horne. During World War II, Horne entertained at camps for black servicemen, and after the war worked on behalf of Japanese Americans who were facing discriminatory housing policies. She worked with Eleanor Roosevelt in pressing for anti-lynching legislation. In the 1960s, Horne continued her high-profile work for civil rights, performing at rallies in the South, supporting the work of the National Council for Negro Women, and participating in the 1963 March on Washington.