Celebrating African American Military Milestones
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Gabrielle “Gabby” Womack
Alongside churches and schools, the military is one of the oldest and most important institutions in the U.S. The U.S. Armed Forces include the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Even though an army has existed since the start of the Revolutionary War in 1775, the official U.S. military was not formed until the U.S. Congress had its first session on September 29, 1789.
African Americans have served in every war on American soil and abroad since the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years War. However, they served predominantly in segregated units. When allowed admission, African Americans faced harsh mistreatment in the military academies, received demeaning military assignments (often relegated to the galley and not to combat), and were denied promotions and the opportunity to serve as leaders.
Schedule to the Virtual 32ND ANNUAL SAVANNAH BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Presented by Savannah State University with investment by the City of Savannah
“Reflect, Reform, Rejoice
TIMES POSTED ARE THE INITIAL RELEASE TIMES FOR LINKS TO OPEN.
“RR” indicates links to programs will be accessible through February 21, 2021
Most Virtual Presentations will be released on the YouTube Channel:
ANY CHANGES WITH VIRTUAL PERFORMERS, DATES AND RELEASE TIMES WILL ALSO BE POSTED ON THIS WEB PAGE.
Feb 1. 6 pm – 79th National Freedom Day Observance (A precursor event). Commemorating President Abraham Lincoln’s signing a resolution for the 13th Constitutional Amendment to outlaw Slavery. Observance initiated by Richard R. Wright, former slave and 1st President of Savannah State University. “RR” Presented by Savannah State University Student Affairs Office, The Wright Choice Initiative Mentoring Program. Contact: 912-358-3147; jordanca@savannahstate.edu.
National Freedom Day observed virtually and tackles theme ‘From Captivity to Captivated’ The Wright Choice Initiative hosted National Freedom Day observances on Monday, Feb. 1. Events included an on-campus fwreath-laying ceremony, as well as, a virtual live stream presentation in partnership with the National Freedom Day Association of Philadelphia.
The Wright Choice Initiative, a Title III-funded mentoring program, is named for Richard R. Wright Sr., SSU’s first president. Wright is considered the architect of National Freedom Day, established to commemorate President Lincoln signing a resolution proposing the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. A proclamation naming Feb. 1 National Freedom Day was signed by President Truman in 1948.
Beaten in the Year of the Advent Facing Racial Injustice on Public Transport (Part 1)
Written by:
February 5, 2021
This series will highlight the experiences of three African American Adventists who faced racial injustice in America while taking public transportation. Each of them reacted differently and got different results. Read Part 2 here.
Jabez Pitt Campbell stepped up to the counter to purchase a train ticket to Philadelphia. It was the afternoon of Wednesday, March 26, 1843, and the 28-year-old Black pastor was travelling from his home in Providence, Rhode Island, to preach in the City of Brotherly Love. The train would leave from Jersey City, make several stops, the longest in Trenton, and finally reach Philadelphia. Campbell handed the ticket agent the fare of $4 and asked if he could have a comfortable seat. The agent quickly assured him that no one paid more than $4 and Campbell would “be as well accommodated as any other gentleman.” Campbell smiled, thanked t