Feb 25 - I, Too, Sing America: The Contributions and Challenges of African Americans in the US Military (Part I)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 13, 2015
CONTACT: Maralin Roffino
845 -574-4244
mroffino@sunyrockland.edu

Feb 25 - I, Too, Sing America: The Contributions and Challenges of African Americans in the US Military (Part I)
free and open to the public

Ramapo, NY— Please join us at this event highlight of African American History Month at Rockland Community College.

Wednesday, February 25 (snow date March 4)
7:00 pm
Cultural Arts Theater
Rockland Community College
145 College Road
Suffern, NY 10901

With its title drawn from Langston Hughes’ poignant poem, this inspiring program explores the long proud history of African Americans serving in the US military. This “Part I,” presentation begins with Crispus Attucks, killed in the first days of the American Revolution at the Boston Massacre of 1770 and considered the first casualty of the American Revolution, and continues through the 1945 end of WW II, during which African Americans still served in segregated units within the US armed forces.

History books often fail to present these contributions by African Americans, though there is a wealth of material documenting the thousands whose profound uncompromising bravery, patriotism and sacrifice, through the unimaginable hardships of war compounded by the weight of prejudice and discrimination, played a vital part in keeping this country safe. Learn more about the heroes who served with distinction during WW II like the heavily decorated 761st Tank Battalion (the “Black Panthers,”), the Red Ball Express, the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (the Triple Nickles), and many others who, despite their service and achievements, were often denied the honor they deserved.

This rich multi-media presentation includes moving personal testimonies, archival film, commentary from General Colin Powell, and live performance by talented artists in music, dance, and drama. The cast includes RCC faculty and students, professional Broadway dancers, and local musicians. A morning performance is reserved for local schoolchildren, but all are welcome to attend the 7:00 pm performance. Special guest artists include renowned storyteller Laconia Therrio, dance professionals Justin Jackson and Lamont Brown, and legendary jazz/blues musician Sam Waymon.

Wylene Wood, Coordinator of this event and President of the Board of Trustees of the African American Historical Society of Rockland County, says that, “The world needs to know about the contributions and challenges of African Americans who fought for this nation and loved this nation, even when America didn’t love them. It is a story of courage, struggle, and pain, but also a story of victory.”

Proudly presented at the College by Rockland Community College Performing Arts, The African American Historical Society of Rockland County, the Rockland Community College African American History Month Committee, and with additional funding provided by the Town of Ramapo, the Arts Council of Rockland, and the New York State Council of the Arts.

###