Students are engrossed in a history lecture by Dr. Chad Williams. The lecture highlighted the role of African Americans in WW1. (Photo by: Natalie Bland/TU Student)
The role of African American soldiers in World War 1 has been largely ignored by historians, according to a Brandeis University History Professor.
“I hope for students to learn that there were African Americans in the war and understand why their experiences mattered and hopefully think about the meaning of democracy, history, WWⅠ and today,” said Dr. Chad Williams, Professor of History at Brandeis University and Distinguished Lecturer of the Organization of American Historians. “I hope they can take the lessons from WWⅠ and apply them to today.”
About 50 students and professors came to the College of Liberal Arts Thursday to hear this lecture. Dr. Williams came to Towson as a part of the World WarⅠ and Modern Life Lecture Series. The series started in 2014 to recognize the centennial of WWⅠ and has been an annual event for the past few years.
Dr. Williams spoke largely about how African Americans played a large part in the war and became the torch bearers of democracy. The war became a pivotal and transformative moment for the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, he also focused on the large role W.E.B. Du Bois played as an advocate for African Americans despite the challenges they faced, such as false accusations.
“Black lives have and continue to matter,” concluded Dr. Williams.
The audience was engrossed in the lecture, taking notes, and even nodding along in agreement.
“It was great—very interesting and educational, said Kevin Brown, Mass Communication student. “I was soaking in the knowledge.”
Students were also able to participate in a question and answer session with Dr. Williams after the lecture where they could get more insight.
“I can relate it back to my history and literature classes,” said Annie Lorditch, Special Education student.
This is an ongoing series at Towson. Students can attend the lecture on April 12th about World War Ⅰ and free speech. There will be more information on towson.edu closer to the event.
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