Louisiana Memorial Pavilion was the setting for a panel presentation focusing on the WWII experiences of Louisiana African Americans. Panelists included WWII veterans Lawrence Brooks and Edward Lee Sr. Also speaking were authors Marcus Cox, PhD, a Xavier University professor and Museum advisor, and Historia President Charles Chamberlain, PhD.
“Military service and wartime support have a long-standing association with the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for first-class citizenship throughout American history,” Dr. Cox said in his introductory remarks. “In addition, it also reflects how African American soldiers broadened this experience to include literacy and educational opportunities which further serve to strengthen and legitimize concepts of manhood embedded in the legacy to bear arms with the civic virtues of education.”
The presentation was part of an array of public programming surrounding the special exhibit The Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II. Presented by The Alta and John Franks Foundation, the exhibit will be on display at the Museum through April then embark on a tour of Louisiana.
Watch the panel below (the presentation starts at the video's 13:30 mark).