Proudly We Serve:

Our African American Military Experience,

from the Civil War Forward

exhibit honors African Americans’ war-time contributions

The Center for Community Arts (CCA) and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) present the exhibit, “Proudly We Serve: Our African American Military Experience, from the Civil War Forward,” Jan. 21 through April 13 at the Carriage House Gallery on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. This exhibit highlights—in photographs and artifacts—the war-time contributions made by members of the African American community.

There will be vibrant images and historical artifacts of African Americans who proudly served the United States of America on display. The exhibit will feature local individuals such as Sergeant John Nash, for whom the Center for Community Arts Archives are named; Corporal David Farmer, who after his military service, went on to become the Franklin Street School custodian, and Corporal Thomas Cox, who led his men with distinction during the battles of World War I.

The exhibit will include Sergeant John Nash’s small metal equipment box used when climbing utility polls to work on the electrical wires, his jacket and medals as well as Mr. Farmer’s rifle that he later made into a lamp, his wooden civil defense hat, pewter dog tags, his medals, and photos of his companions in WWI. There will be uniforms worn by African American soldiers from the U.S. Civil War forward, and American flags from different historical periods that will also be on display. The uniforms and flags span the period from the 1860s to the present, and reflect changes to the military, and the nation.

Experience the history of the struggle for equality through this exhibit. Learn about the hardships African Americans endured, and the accomplishments for which they earned high praise. Become familiar with African American soldiers like: Lucian Simmons, James Washington, and Sergeant Isaac Harris, who faced discrimination and racial segregation during World War II. See the servicemen and women, who served after the desegregation of the U.S. military, soldiers like: Derrick Jensen, who served in the Vietnam era, Sergeant Mark Brooks, who served in Gulf War I, and Airman 1st Class Shontay Arrington who is currently serving. There will be hands-on interactive displays including among others, John Nash’s World War II photo album and personal accounts as Master Sergeant of a signal battalion following the Battle of the Bulge in Europe.

The public is invited to join members of the Center for Community Arts and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts for the exhibit’s opening reception at 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 21, at the Carriage House Gallery. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.

Local WWII veterans including James Washington, Lucian Simmons, Cora Molson, Mildred Moore, Joseph Hicks who served during the Cold War Era, and Derrick Jensen who served during the Vietnam Era will take part in a panel discussion on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. at the Carriage House Gallery. Admission to the discussion is free.

Admission to the ongoing exhibit is $2 for adults, $1 for children (ages 3-12), or free with any tour of the Physick Estate. Gallery dates and times vary through April 13; call for hours.

These events are co-sponsored by CCA and MAC. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s heritage. MAC also fosters the performing arts. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at http://www.capemaymac.org/.

Center for Community Arts is a multicultural educational non-profit organization whose arts and humanities programs foster creativity, community building, and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world. The Center’s Community History Program is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and celebrating Cape May’s African American heritage through exhibits, tours, and its John and Janet Nash African American History Archive. The Center is currently rehabilitating the Franklin Street School, a Cape May African American Historic Site, to house a community cultural center, and operates WCFA-LP 101.5 FM, a community radio station. For further information, call 609-884-7525 or access CCA’s web site at http://www.centerforcommunityarts.org/.

For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.