Hood Theological Seminary will hold a special celebration of Black History Month on Tuesday, Feb. 20, beginning with a reception at 6 p.m. in the Aymer Center on the seminary campus.

At 7 p.m., the program, “An Evening of Music: African Americans in Times of War” will feature area choirs — Livingstone College Gospel Choir, the Voices of Eden of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Soldiers Memorial Youth Signing Choir, Antioch Baptist Church Choir, and the Hood Voices. This event is organized by the seminary’s community life committee. The event is free and open to the public. African attire and military uniforms are welcome at the event.

The committee is also inviting the community to visit the display in the Aymer Center created by Dr. Mary Love, adjunct professor of Christian education, using this year’s national Black History Month theme,“African Americans in Times of War.” The theme was chosen to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of African Americans serving in World War I in 1918.

African Americans have been involved since the formation of the United States of America, beginning with Crispus Attucks, who was the first to give his life during the Boston Massacre of March 5, 1770. In addition to Attucks, Salem Poor, a slave who purchased his freedom, fought with the Minute Men and is honored for bravery at the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 17, 1775. Since that time, African Americans have served in each of the five branches of the armed forces.

The display illustrates the contributions of African Americans in the armed forces, highlighting key historical figures such as Benjamin O. Davis Sr., Tuskegee Airmen, Buffalo Soldiers, Dorie Miller, Michelle Janine Howard, Phyllis Dailey, Winston E. Scott, Harriet Ida Pickens, Francis Will Thorpe, Fred “Tiz” Morrison, as well as contemporary figures Colin Powell, and Hood’s own John Everett and Vergel Lattimore.

Love says, “It is important to highlight the contributions of African Americans to help persons learn the role that people of color played on the American military stage. This was not an easy role, but one portrayed with determination, skill, sacrifice and the fight against racism.”

The display is available to the public until Feb. 28.

For further information, contact Dr. Dora Mbuwayesango, dmbuwayesango@hoodseminary.edu or 704-636-6077.