VA Celebrates African-American Veterans throughout February

WASHINGTON —Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced several events in celebration of African American History Month.

“All of our Veterans have a story to tell,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “It’s an honor to be able to celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans who, despite myriad challenges, have made a profound, lasting impact in the story of our nation.”

This year’s national theme is “African Americans in Times of War,” which calls attention to the heroic contributions of African Americans during the nation’s military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to present-day operations.

VA Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) in partnership with Blacks In Government and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Braintrust will host a reception at the African American Civil War Museum located at 1925 Vermont Ave., NW, on Feb. 21 from 5:30-8 p.m.

The event will include a reception, a showing of short films celebrating African- American Veterans, an update on the CBC Veterans Braintrust and a four member panel of Veteran speakers with an opportunity for questions. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees must register at the following link: CMV Reception.

In continued celebration of African American History Month, Barbara Ward, director of Center for Minority Veterans, will moderate a roundtable discussion on the Vets Speaks radio program hosted by the Kentucky National Association for Black Veterans. The roundtable is scheduled for Feb. 12, from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Additionally, CMV, in partnership with Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation and The Center for Women Veterans, will host a luncheon at the Women’s Memorial located at Arlington National Cemetery on Feb. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature guest speaker, Verna Jones, executive director of the American Legion, followed by a series of short films celebrating African-American women Veterans. This event is free and lunch will be provided. Attendees must register at the following link: CMV Luncheon.