During World War II hundreds of thousands of African American men and women offered up their lives to protect and serve a country that was still failing to provide them the basic rights of citizenship. In honor of Black History Month and the 75th anniversary of America’s entry in WWII, The Filson Historical Society will host a lecture on February 9th examining the contributions made by black Kentuckians to the war effort both at home and abroad. Dr. Bruce Tyler will present a number of rare photographs of black soldiers and Red Cross workers, discussing their role in World War II operations.

Dr. Bruce Tyler was a professor of history at the University of Louisville for many years, specializing in African American history during times of war and conflict, and is an avid collector of historical photographs. His publications include From Harlem to Hollywood: The Struggle for Racial and Cultural Democracy; Images of African American Life in Louisville; and Louisville in World War II.