In commemoration of African American history month, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend a special talk at the Chickamauga Visitor Center on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m.
Park Ranger Lee White will give a talk on the important roles that African Americans played in seizing their freedom, then struggling to emancipate their homeland in the first steps of the long road toward civil rights and equality.
The desire for and promise of freedom were great for African Americans. With Chattanooga falling into Union hands, it became a beacon of freedom for thousands of enslaved men and women who now saw an opportunity to escape the harsh reality of slavery. Now, with freedom and having a choice in their lives, many enlisted to be soldiers in the United States Colored Troops to fight to destroy slavery. Others took the opportunity to support the Union army in other ways, all of which gave them hope, dignity, confidence and pride.
For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706 866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423 821-7786, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.