The African American Military History Museum was badly damaged by the tornado that hit Hattiesburg on February 10, 2013. The museum is housed in the only surviving USO built exclusively for African American soldiers, and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. While most of the artifacts have been recovered and moved for safe keeping, it is estimated that it will take a least a year before the damage to the building will be repaired, and funds are needed for the rebuilding efforts.
My interest in the museum is both personal and professional. Much of my research has centered on African American militray history, especially the expereinces of Black POWs, so the museum is of great interest to me as a historian. Personally, as a Southern Miss grad and a former resident of Hattiesburg, I know how important the museum is to the community and want to see it restored.
On Sunday, February 24, I'll be running in the New Orleans Marathon in honor of the African American Military History Museum. Please support my effots with a donation to help rebuild the museum. The museum's leadership is supportive of my campaign, and state that all donations are tax deductible, and that 100% of the donations will go to restoration of the building and the reconstruction and reinstallation of the museum and artifacts.