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NC Department of Military And Veterans Affairs Announces NC African American Veterans Lineage Day

@SpectacularMag

Raleigh, NC — The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NCDMVA) will celebrate North Carolina African American Lineage Day to commemorate the many contributions of African Americans in the United States military.  In collaboration with the NC Museum of History, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), the Sports Shop Radio, and the Carolina Small Business Development Fund, NCDMVA will produce a documentary to honor and salute five African American service members who broke color barriers when the U.S. military was segregated. The goal of this documentary is to preserve North Carolina’s rich African American military history that will be used for educational aspects. 

The five men who will be highlighted are Corporal John R. Thompson and Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Thomas, members of the Montford Point Marines; Henri A. LeGendre of the 9th Calvary “Buffalo Soldiers”; Calvin Morrow of the U.S. Navy B-1 Band; and Charles Stevenson of the 555th “Triple Nickle” Battalion.

The event which will include an awards ceremony will take place on February 13th in Raleigh at the North Carolina Museum of History at 1 pm. Following the awards ceremony, there will be a meet and greet reception.

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NCDVMA Secretary Larry D. Hall

NCDMVA Secretary Larry Hall stated, “These brave men exemplified what it means to serve their country and to hold your head high in the face of adversity.” The event showcases the significant role that African Americans played in our nation’s history and highlights the importance of African Americans in the U.S. military.

According to ECSU Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts, Dr. Sharon Raynor, faculty and students are using oral history, photography, video and digital media platforms, and individual and group panel settings as methods to capture the stories from a first-hand perspective.  The faculty members documenting this event are Dr. Jeff Whelan (film), Clarence Goss (graphic design), Dr. Walter Iriate (digital media), Dr. Charles Reed (history), Dr. Latif Tarik (history/archives), Dr. Melissa Stuckey (history), Melba Smith (TV/radio), Dr. Sharon Raynor (English), and students Keven Fitzgerald, Jasmine Simmons, Hailey Ryan and Miquel Washington.

The veteran interviewer will be Sgt. First Class Mark Diggs, U.S. Army (retired).

For more information about the event contact Ariel Aponte, Inter-Agency Coordinator ariel.aponte@milvets.nc.gov or 984.204.8333. To learn more about the Department, contact Angella Dunston, Director of Communications Angella.Dunston@milvets.nc.gov or 984.204.8336.

About NCDMVA  – The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is a state agency with a vision to protect North Carolina’s military installations, work with the communities surrounding military bases, and assist military families and veterans with obtaining the support and services they need.