A panel board discussion was held last Thursday in Exhibit Hall, honoring and commemorating the endeavors and African American veterans during World War II.

The panel was held by three military veterans who discussed various topics in regards to World War II from an African American standpoint.

The exhibit was presented that day as a way to provide Aggies with insight on a overlooked piece of African American History, as well as a chance to honor local veterans.

Last Thursday wouldn’t have been a perfect time or place to host a panel discussion. The springtime afternoon was gloomy and grey, shadowing a thick cloud of overflowing dullness over the campus.

The Exhibit hall was spacious and mundane beyond notice. The once blank-white paint walls in exhibit were now an aged yellow that would bring dreariness to anyone who entered the hall.

Amidst the dim lights and aged walls of the hall, the scene was rich with history of World War II relic and newspaper clippings on display and big band jazz playing softly in the air.

In spite of the mundane atmosphere, the three panelists sat on the board peacefully but enthusiastic and full of profound vigor about a significant message to Aggies.

The panelists spoke with rationality and acuteness of their message to an audience was fully absorbed into the honorable panel of veterans. 

The meeting was a small amalgamation of veterans, professors, and students who were all in attendance to discuss and learn bits and pieces of forgotten history.

An ongoing topic of discussion at the panel meeting was how African American veterans are largely ignored and overtly dismissed in American history books.

The young audience was encouraged to research their genealogy. By examining their geological chart, they might have a military background that could be unknowingly lost to American History.

“We’re hoping we can tell this story. This is America’s story and it’s unfortunate it’s overlooked,” said Dr. Samuel Mosley, Chairman of the department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. [American History books] need be more inclusive. They need to tell a more comprehensive study.”

In spite of being overtly ignored in American history texts and discussions, African Americans soldiers of war played a significant role in American history, even locally in this state alone.

In attendance were local veterans who played an integral role in key events in the second world war shared their story of being in the turning points of battle.

“These are people right here in the community. These people should be honored”, said A&T alum Ernest Hooker, one of the panelists on the board who was a veteran of the Gulf War.

The panelist brought to light another alarming dilemma: one thousand World War II veterans are passing away daily, and even a more alarming concern: very high percentages are black men.

“As an initial step, what gets me is that many of our young African Americans aren’t interested in this event, and only get excited about this when it’s too late,” said Oliver McBarnette, a veteran of World War II who was honored as being one of the panelists on the board for the event. 

“There’s  not enough acknowledgements for events like this.”

• Derek Lineberger