Tuskegee Airman, Howard A. Wooten.
Tallahassee Museum presents African Americans in World War II (WWII). starting July 1-Sept. 30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The exhibit is geared toward highlighting the achievements of African Americans who have served in all five service branches during WWII. More than 2.5 million African Americans women served their country.
During WWII, African Americans experience discrimination and segregation, but fault with dignity.
Specialist, Steven Ford, explains how those African Americans who served during WWII affected his own decision to join the U.S. Army.
"If it had not been for those who served during WWII, I don't think I would have enlisted in the army," Ford said. "Their presence in the military made it easier for African Americans behind them to become more accepted."
Exhibition pieces highlight more than 40 photographs of how life was for African American men and women and their rise above discrimination and segregation.
This exhibition is known as a traveling exhibition, and this is the first time the exhibit is being presented in Tallahassee Museum.
Linda Deaton, chief curator, spoke on the history of the museum and some of the feedback that the exhibit has received since opening.
“2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII,” Deaton said. “Visitor reaction to the exhibition has been very positive. A Vietnam veteran, I met in the gallery, let me know he appreciated the Museum.”
Tallahassee Museum is located at 3945 Museum Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32310.