SALISBURY — Hood Theological Seminary will host a panel discussion on the significance of African-Americans in World War II as part of the 49 Days of Gratitude, which runs through March 30.

The public is invited to attend the panel discussion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in Room 315 on the Hood campus, 1810 Lutheran Synod Drive.

Torren Gatson, visiting professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Reginald Brown, a local historian, will speak about how the African-American presence in World War II contributed to the integration of the military and dismantling of racism in the latter half of the 20th century.

Sharon Grant, assistant professor of the history of Christianity at Hood, will be the moderator.

“In the current climate beset with racial tension, it is important to pay homage to persons whose sacrificial service provided the impetus to mitigate if not eliminate the vicious inequity arising from racism,” said Grant. “The members of the Greatest Generation of the United States of America understood the importance of fighting for the ‘four freedoms’ articulated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and for the Double V, victory abroad and at home. There is much to learn from their stories.”

For a list of upcoming programs for 49 Days of Gratitude, go to https://49daysofgratitude.com/.

For more information about the panel discussion, contact Grant at sgrant@hoodseminary.edu.