Join the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy for an engaging daylong symposium in honor of Black History Month and The National WWII Museum’s new special exhibition, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II. This program will provide a deep dive into the significant role Black servicemembers and Home Front workers played in securing Allied victory, even as they faced discrimination.

Throughout the day, distinguished authors, historians, and exhibition advisors will further explore topics and themes highlighted by the exhibit, from the turbulent racial climate of the interwar years and challenges faced by Black servicemembers returning from World War I to the accomplishments of and obstacles overcome by African Americans during World War II. The day 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.

Guests will also have the opportunity to 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 time following to view the special exhibit. With book signings and a post-event reception, the day is a wonderful opportunity to learn, reflect, and honor the legacy of African Americans during World War II.

Following the symposium, a closing reception at 5:00 p.m. will include additional exhibit viewing time.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is strongly encouraged. For additional information, please email Connie Gentry, Conference and Programs Manager at connie.gentry@nationalww2museum.org.

Schedule of Events:

• 8:00am – 8:30am | Doors open and guests arrive
• 8:30am – 8:45am | Opening, Welcome Remarks by MC
• 8:45am – 10:00am | Session 1 – World War I and the Interwar Years
  • 1. Chair – Bradley Hart, JCI
  • 2. World War I – Jeffrey Sammons, PhD
  • 3. Post-WWI/Interwar – John Morrow, PhD
• 10:00am-10:30am | Break and Book Signing
• 10:30am-11:45am | Session 2 – War-Time Home Front
  • 1. Chair – Stephanie Hinnershitz, PhD
  • 2. Half American on the Home Front – Matthew Delmont, PhD
  • 3. Invisible Warriors – Gregory Cooke
• 11:45am-12:15pm | Exhibition Overview by Curator Cory Graff
• 12:15pm-2:00pm | Lunch Break, Book Signing and Exhibition Viewing
• 2:00pm-3:15pm | Session 3 – War-Time Battle Front (Mason Lecture)
  • 1. Interviewer – Krewasky Salter, PhD
  • 2. Interviewee – Matthew Delmont, PhD
• 3:15pm-3:45pm | Break and Book Signing
• 3:45pm-5:00pm | Session 4 – Post-War: Lessons and Legacies
  • 1. Chair – Sean Scanlon, JCI
  • 2. Black Veterans and the New Civil Rights Movement – Marcus Cox, PhD
  • 3. Executive Order 9980 and Today’s Military – Adrian Lewis, PhD
• 5:00pm-6:00pm | Book Signing, Reception and continued special exhibition viewing