Washington, DC�s 100-day tribute to the men and women of World War II, �America Celebrates the Greatest Generation,� will include programming to honor the significant contributions of the African-American community to the war effort � both abroad and on the homefront. Fighting a deeply personal war on two fronts, African-Americans serving in World War II fought for the freedom of their country overseas and for their own civil rights at home.

�World War II was a crucial time for African-Americans in the struggle for civil rights. Their success in battle laid the groundwork for an integrated military and a continued march toward equality,� said William A. Hanbury, president & CEO of the Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation. �The programming planned as part of �America Celebrates the Greatest Generation� will bring to light the African-American experience during World War II and recognize the vital contributions the African-American community made to the success of the war.�

Despite serving in segregated military units, more than 2.5 million African-American men registered for the draft during World War II. By 1945 more than 1.2 million African-American men were serving in Europe and the Pacific. More than 500,000 women joined the industrial labor force on the homefront. On July 26, 1948 President Harry Truman signed an executive order ending segregation in the U.S. armed forces.

�America Celebrates the Greatest Generation� will present more than 140 events from 86 cultural institutions, including multiple events and exhibitions that examine and honor the vital role African-Americans played in winning World War II:

Remembering the Pupil of the Eye: African Americans in World War II
May 27 and 28
PEVUE, Inc. and National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS) presents a lecture and presentation by William H. Smith, Ed.D., producer of the award-winning PBS documentary, The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices. 10 am and 2 pm. Free.
Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, 1201 17th Street, NW
1-877-622-8387, www.dayofhonor.org

Images of World War II: The View of Three Artists
May 27 � June 30
PEVUE, Inc. and National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS) presents the work of three African American artists: Mel Bolden, Herron Briggs, and Joe Sam. Bolden, often called the �dean� of African American illustrators, was a co-worker of Norman Rockwell in his early days in New York. Sam, who served as U.S. cultural emmisary to Mexico and the former Soviet Union, is best known for his Black West Series. His work is represented by larger-than-life interpretative portraits of seven African Americans who received the Medal of Honor 50 years after World War II. Lastly, the exhibit showcases Briggs�s folk art sculptures of WWII planes. Some of the original pieces in this exhibit are available for purchase. Mon � Sat, 10 am � 4 pm. Free.
Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, 1201 17th Street, NW
1-877-622-8387, www.dayofhonor.org

An American Journey: Voices of African Americans in the Military
May 28, June 12, July 10, August 14, and September 4
Drive by sights and stop at memorials that honor African American men and women who served in the military. Learn the real story of Theodore Roosevelt�s Rough Riders and �Black Jack� Pershing. Learn why the Germans called this regiment �blutlustige Schwarze.� Understand what �army justice� really meant and hear hidden tales of heroism. Stop at the African American Civil War Memorial, the only national memorial honoring the U.S. Colored Troops. The tour will include a wreath-laying in honor of all African Americans who have served. 1 � 5 pm. $30 adults; $25 veterans and students. Reservations required. Group tours available. Meet at the U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro, Vermont Avenue exit.
Presented by Site Seeing Tours, Inc. and National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS).
301-445-2098, www.siteseeingtoursinc.com

We Were There: African American Veterans of World War II
June 3
Five African American veterans discuss their experiences in World War II. 7 pm. $20. Reservations recommended.
Presented by The Smithsonian Associates.
Jefferson Auditorium at USDA, Independence Ave., between 12th and 14th streets., NW 202-357-3030, www.smithsonianassociates.org

Spring Concert: Washington Swing
June 10 and 11
Travel back to America in the early �40s. Weary of war news Americans crowded dance halls to Lindy-Hop and Jitterbug their cares away. Join Washington Reflections Dance Company, a project of The Dance Institute of Washington, as they premiere Washington Swing, a ballet dedicated to this time of tragic depths and sublime heights. 7:30 pm. $15 � 35.
Presented by The Dance Institute of Washington and Washington Reflections Dance Co.
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street, NW
202-371-9656, www.danceinstitute.org

Double Victory: African Americans in World War II Walking Tour
June 20, July, 25, August 1, September 5
African Americans had a greater opportunity to serve their country in World War II than in any previous war. Hear the forgotten stories of how a double victory campaign, �Victory at Home and Victory Abroad,� was waged for and by those who served. Learn why no African Americans from this war were awarded a Medal of Honor until 1997, why the 1941 March on Washington did not take place, when the military was really integrated, and more. Leave remembrances at the World War II Memorial and walk to the nearby Korean and Vietnam Veterans memorials. 11 am - 1 pm. $15 adults; $10 veterans and students. Reservations required. Meet at the Smithsonian Metro, National Mall exit.
Presented by Site Seeing Tours, Inc. and NABVETS.
301-445-2098, www.siteseeingtoursinc.com

Speaking of Flight � Tuskegee Airmen
July 18
Featured in numerous movies and books, the first African American military pilots still inspire with their courage and determination. Meet the men behind the legend and hear their story as only they can tell it. 2 pm. $4 adults; $3 seniors; $2 children.
Presented by College Park Aviation Museum.
1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD
301-864-6029, www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

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