Freedom, Citizenship, and Equality: The Story of the United States Colored Troops

The Auglaize County Historical Society—in collaboration with the Outreach and Diversity Committee at Wright State University, Lake Campus—will host "Freedom, Citizenship, and Equality: The Story of the United States Colored Troops" with Anthony Gibbs at 7 pm, February 4, on the ACHS Facebook page. The program is free and open to everyone.  The program is part of the Ohio Humanities Council's Speakers Bureau.  In the spirit of Black History Month, the members of the ACHS are pleased to present Dr. Gibbs’ presentation in collaboration with our friends at WSU-Lake Campus.

Almost 200,000 black soldiers fought for the Union during the Civil War. Their story is a unique chapter in the American conflict. These men were freedom fighters who fought for emancipation and for full citizenship rights. Gibbs discusses events significant to these men that led up to the Civil War, and what made these men different from the other thousands who fought and died in the War Between the States.

To access the event, simply go to the Auglaize County Historical Society's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AuglaizeCountyHistory a little before 7pm on February 4.  The program will appear as the most current post on the page.  Make sure you adjust your volume (on the screen), if needed. 

About Our Speaker, Anthony Gibbs            

Anthony Gibbs has traveled throughout the state of Ohio as a teaching artist and living history performer. Anthony has portrayed living history characters such as John Parker, an Underground Railroad conductor from Ripley Ohio; Milton Holland, a soldier and Medal of Honor recipient of the 5th U.S.C.T.; and other key figures in African American History. For more than a dozen years Gibbs has presented historical workshops and performances on the United States Colored Troops and their participation in the Civil War. Anthony is a graduate of The Ohio State University. He is currently employed by the Ohio History Connection as the Coordinator of Community Engagement. Gibbs is founder and Creative Director of Black Historic Impressions, an organization dedicated to the remembrance, appreciation, and exhibition of African American contributions throughout history.

About the Ohio Humanities Council

Ohio Humanities serves as an advocate for the public humanities in Ohio. We promote the humanities through public programs, grants, and community projects with the goal of helping individuals and communities explore, share, and be inspired by the human experience. Established in 1972, Ohio Humanities is a private nonprofit organization and the state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

About the Auglaize County Historical Society

Founded in 1963, the Auglaize County Historical Society collects, preserves, interprets, and shares the history of Auglaize County, enriching lives by connecting people and communities to the past and to each other.

For more information about this program, please contact auglaizecountyhistory@bright.net or 419-738-9328.