Black former military members and a military spouse took part in a live, in-person panel discussion titled “I Was a Black G.I.: A Retrospective” at the Wistariahurst Museum on July 9.

The moderator, Doug Griffin, who grew up in Holyoke gathered the perspectives of people who served in an “effort to provide a more complex perspective of military service that addresses the intersectionality of what it meant/means to be Black and to serve in the Military, this community panel discussion will engage local Black veterans to share their personal experiences and memories of being in the military,” stated in the program notes.

Panelists represent military service from the late 50’s up until the 2000s. They shared their perspective of being a “Government Issue” G.I. as it related to housing, uniforms, jobs, and other aspects of serving in various branches of the military.

Mr. Griffin moderated the program with the panelists: Mr. John L. Kennedy, Mr. James Odom, Mr. Marvin Dotson and Mrs. Lenora Tiggle.

Audience participation expanded the conversation as men and women shared their own experiences, some of them harsh.

To watch the promotional video with Mr. Griffin announcing the event, visit: https://holyokemedia.org/black-gis-tell-their-experiences/

Wistariahurst is an educational and cultural center owned and operated by the City of Holyoke and supported by The Wistariahurst Foundation. Wistariahurst is dedicated to preserving Holyoke’s history and inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wistariahurst is the former home of William Skinner, a prominent silk manufacturer and was built in 1874.
Today, Wistariahurst offers a wide variety of public programs and events including: workshops, concerts, lectures and demonstrations and serves the community through educational programs, community partnerships, history projects, and outreach activities. More information is available at www.Wistariahurst.org.