Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. Each year the Department of Defense (DoD), along with the rest of the Nation, recognizes the important contributions and rich culture of African Americans.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has chosen for the 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts.”
Lt. James R. Europe brought African American music genres international while leading the 369th Infantry Regiment “Hell Fighters” band.
His Black musicians proudly played their own original music, including jazz, blues, ragtime, and patriotic tunes, amazing European audiences who were unable to replicate their unique sound. Lt. Europe and his band were celebrated as heroes upon their return at the war’s end.
Europe was one of the first mainstream African American musicians. He is recognized as a composer, arranger, and American band leader and is credited as a major figure in transitioning ragtime into jazz and popularizing social dancing across the social class spectrum.
Leonora Hull Brown, a Women’s Army Corps member during World War II, was crucial in creating the military’s only all-Black female band.
Brown helped form the group after being denied participation in the all-White band. As the only one with musical experience, and with just 8 weeks until their first performance, Brown taught the women volunteers how to play instruments. Their first performance far exceeded expectations.
This group became recognized as the 404th Armed Service Forces band as it fought an uphill battle against discrimination and sexism. After several performances, they were defunded by the Army. However, through community activism, they were reinstated.
Horace Pippin is one of the most celebrated African American painters of the 20th century and a veteran of World War I. Being self-taught, Pippin used a linear art style with powerful design and expressive color. Pippin enlisted in what would become the Army’s 369th Infantry Regiment. During his service, a sniper shot permanently disabled his right arm.
Pippin wrote a vivid account of his wartime service and experiences in a 61-page journal which contains numerous battlefield illustrations detailing his injury and which inspired his later work.
The stories of incredible artists like Lt. James R. Europe, Leonora Hull Brown, and Horace Pippin exhibit just a few of the countless contributions to the arts made by African Americans. Their complex, trailblazing work has impacted the hearts and minds of millions of people.
During this special observance, the DoD honors the contributions made by African Americans in the arts and celebrates diversity, inclusion, and accessibility for all Americans.
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2024 |
| Published: | 01-12-24 04:24 PM |
| Graphic ID: | 28799 |
| VIRIN: | 240112-D-CF733-1001 |
| Size: | 2 MB |
| Location: | PATRICK SFB, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
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