Veterans of Color – Courage, Adversity and Triumph -You Are Invited to Free Screening and Discussion

Our Mission
To improve and promote the economic development, education, health and political well-being of the African-American community
in the State of Connecticut
African-American Affairs Commission
State Capitol 210 Capitol Avenue – Room 509
Hartford, CT 06106
860-240-8555
For Immediate Release Contact: Glenn Cassis
860-240-8555
Veterans of Color – Courage, Adversity and Triumph
The State of Connecticut African-American Affairs Commission (AAAC) in partnership with the Hartford Public Library, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity – Alpha Psi Boulé and several veteran organizations will host the showing of Veterans of Color on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at the Hartford Public Library (500 Main Street, Hartford) from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Veterans of Color is a one hour DVD that captures the oral history of African-American veterans in World War II, Korean War and the Viet Nam War. Men and women veterans provide voice to the numerous challenges that faced them on the battlefields, in their service quarters and in their own communities while serving this nation. Compelling interviews tell stories of hardships, perseverance and valor by men and women in the service to their country while being denied their freedom and rights as Americans.

Established by the United States Congress, the Veterans Project was created to preserve and make accessible personal accounts of American war veterans. In partnership with the Association For the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH) these oral histories will enable future generations to hear directly from veterans the realities of their experiences and better understand the realities of war. Dr. Bernard Watson a member of ASALH and a producer of the DVD, conducted dozens of interviews of male and female veterans in an effort to help the wider community understand the challenges faced by people of color during their lifetimes. This showing will be the first of several that will take place around the State until November when Dr. Watson will visit Connecticut.
Doors to the Center for Contemporary Culture room at the Hartford Public Library will open at 5:30 PM for a pre-reception and refreshments followed by the showing of Veterans of Color at 6 PM. A panel of war veterans moderated by AAAC Commissioner and Veteran of Iraq, Alexander Tettey, Jr., will provide the audience with their personal experiences at 7 PM. The event is free to the public. For more information call the AAAC at 860-240-8555 or visit http://www.cga.ct.gov/aaac/ and https://www.facebook.com/ctaaac