National Civil Rights Museum Presents "Soul Soldiers" Exhibit

 “SOUL SOLDIERS”

Exhibit focuses on African Americans and the Vietnam Era; Museum honors all U. S. veterans on

January 30, 2010

with special guest

Tennessee Commissioner of Veterans Affairs John Keys

(Memphis, TN) - The National Civil Rights Museum presents the “SOUL SOLDIERS” exhibit starting on the Martin Luther King Holiday Monday, January 18, 2010 thru Friday, April 30, 2010 with a Veterans Appreciation Day Saturday, January 30, 2010. This exhibit explores the impact of the Vietnam War on African American life in America and on the Vietnam culture during the Vietnam conflict. The exhibit has a display of original artifacts that brings life to that specific piece of history as well as a music section for visitors to get the full effect of the inspirational music of that era.

Highlights of the exhibit include:

·         Original artifacts, photos, medals and clothing

·         The connection between the American Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War

·         Coverage of the war by major African American media outlets such as the Pittsburg Courier and Ebony magazine

·         The impact of the war on community and family, and examines career military men like Colin Powell and Chappie James as they rise up the military ladder

·         The role of women who served as nurses in Vietnam

·         The African American culture and the aftermath of the war which includes the experiences of those returning with life altering injuries, (PTSD) - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and those (MIA) - Missing in Action. Documents and artifacts in this segment also contain an original display of letters to families of soldiers MIA’s

One of the most powerful elements of the exhibit is a memorial wall with the names of local veterans patterned after the memorial wall in Washington DC. The memorial wall is personalized for each venue to pay homage to the Soul Soldiers.