Showcase of Black veterans in United States military 

CITY OF CHARLOTTE

Black Americans have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War. The Montford Point Marines, shown at the dedication of a street in their honor in Charlotte in 2021, were the Corps' first Black recruits, served during World War II.

Charlotte’s ninth annual African American Heritage Festival celebrates military service.

The festival, themed “Red, White Blue, and Black,” is Feb. 28 at Charlotte Museum of History from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. The showcase explores the legacy, service and contributions of Black Americans in the military from the revolution against England to the present. The theme is in alignment with the nation’s 250th anniversary with reflections on patriotism, sacrifice and Black Americans’ role in fighting for their country.

“This year’s African American Heritage Festival invites our community to honor the courage, resilience and lasting contributions of African Americans who have served our country,” museum President & CEO Terri White said in a statement. “As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, “Red, White, Blue, and Black” encourages meaningful reflection on our history while celebrating the individuals whose service helped move our country forward.”

The festival includes educational programming, performances, speakers, interactive experiences and community engagement for all ages. Local artists, vendors and community organizations will have tables on campus.

The festival includes:

• Keynote address from Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

• The panel discussion “Marching Home: Housing, Hostility & Hope” which includes “Lost Soldiers” podcast co-hosts Ché Abdullah and Tom Hanchett; Reuben "Rock" Flax, a Vietnam War veteran and three-time Purple Heart recipient who is a community leader in Historic West End; and Fred Dodson of DreamKey Partners. The podcast shares the wartime stories of veterans that rest in Charlotte's once-abandoned Cedar Grove Cemetery.

• “Marching Home: Housing, Hostility & Hope” pop-up exhibit featuring photos and ephemera from the archive collection of Johnson C Smith University.

• “The Power of the Warrior’s Heart: Black Hands in Service Then and Now.” The watercolor reflection workshop led by Melvin Nix combines storytelling, reflection and a guided watercolor painting experience for attendees. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

• “From Records to Remembrance: Black Military Service and Family History” panel discussion featuring Solomon Titus, a descendant of enslaved Revolutionary War veteran Ishmael Titus. The panel is moderated by Dr. Gregory Mixon.

• A Revolutionary-era cooking demonstration in the historic kitchen

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