The Sixth Street Museum District will observe Women History Month with a program, Celebrating the Women of the East 6th St. USO on Tuesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the African American Military History Museum.
“Uncovering the roles and contributions of Black Americans during WWII is a current trend among historians,” said Jerra Runnels, historian and assistant to the directors at the Center for the Study of the National Guard at The University of Southern Mississippi. “Still, many do not include the contributions of Black women in the historical narrative.”
Celebrating the Women of the East 6th Street USO will show the critical war work women performed at the East 6th Street USO in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, which served Black soldiers at Camp Shelby, the second largest Army camp in the country.
One of the most active groups at the USO was the Women’s Army for National Defense, or the WAND. This group of twenty women, comprised mainly of club women and Eureka educators, worked tirelessly to ensure Black soldiers at Camp Shelby had the resources they needed during wartime while helping fight for Double Victory. The Hattiesburg WAND chapter was one of the most active in the country.
“We have enjoyed working with Jerra and are excited for her to share additional insight on the service of Black women during WWII,” said Vanessa Molden, Operations and Engagement Manager
The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.