By Abel Communications
This Veteran’s Day, the AFRO will proudly host “A Salute to Our Veterans, a luncheon recognizing Black veterans across generations, from World War II to the globe’s most recent battles.
Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Anthony C. Woods, will deliver a keynote address to military honorees and esteemed guests.
As storytellers, the AFRO holds a special connection to the service of Black veterans, proudly sending correspondents worldwide to Europe, Africa, Alaska and the South Pacific throughout World War II.
Attendees will learn more of that crucial work, and the stories of Black veterans who have served our nation through trials and tribulations at home and abroad.
Stories will include a tribute to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a predominantly Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps in World War II. Additionally, Maj. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, the current adjutant general of Maryland, and the only Black woman leading a state military, will be recognized as one of Maryland’s foremost Black veterans.
With a nod to our newest generation of servicemembers, Morgan State University’s ROTC program will be acknowledged, and guests will enjoy a special performance by the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute’s Junior ROTC Color Guard.
“Honoring the sacrifice and service of our veterans is a year-round obligation, but today is a special day to celebrate their stories,” said Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO. “Through ‘A Salute to Our Veterans,’ we aim to bridge the generations of military heroism on display in the Black community.”
“We’d like to thank BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Morgan State University and Greater Baltimore Medical Center for their generous sponsorship of this event.”
Event honorees include:
Maj. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, the adjutant general of Maryland, and the only Black woman leading a state military
Col. (Ret.) Edna Cummings, Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal champion, and documentary producer
Maj. (Ret.) Edgar Brookins, former AFRO general and circulation manager (posthumously)
Morgan State University ROTC Program
The event will be held at the Reginald Lewis Museum in Baltimore, beginning at 11:30 am.
Individual tickets can be purchased for $100, via https://www.afrotix.live/e/this-is-our-war-a-salute-to-our-veterans/tickets
To learn more about the AFRO, visit: https://afro.com
