Unequal Fight

African American Soldiers, Communities Had To Continue A Separate Battle After World War 1

By Nelia Dashiell

“Black History Exhibit: We Return Fighting” // Open Now Thru Feb 28 

With the Winter Olympics in South Korea to last weekend’s release of the epic film Black Panther, weekends this February have been filled with something new and enlightening and different.

But we cannot forget that February is Black History Month. We maintain the Sankofa spirit.

The Prince George’s County’s Department of Parks and Recreation’s Black History Program is showcasing a Black History exhibit titled “We Return Fighting: World War 1 and the African-American Experience” at the Harmony Hall Arts Center. The exhibit also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the United States’ involvement in World War 1. The African-American experience during and after The Great War - both at home and abroad – is still relatively under recognized. History has shown that over 350,000 African Americans served in World War 1. Though placed in segregated units, African-American soldiers fought well and over 600 earned higher ranks. They were promoted to captains and first and second lieutenants.

“We Return Fighting” enters right into the lives and oppression of African Americans during the early 20th century and how they helped and supported the war efforts immensely during this time. Not only does the exhibit showcase African-American families, it specifically showcases African-American soldiers from Prince George’s.

Admission is free for this exhibit and, if requested, there are guided tours as well. “We Return Fighting” is open now thru Feb. 28.