MORGAN STATE SALUTES AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE KOREAN WAR

- Conference Will Reunite Veterans, Scholars to Commemorate 50th Anniversary -

Morgan State University will recognize the heroic service of African Americans in the Korean War at a conference to be held April 16-19, 2003, at the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2100 Argonne Drive, on Morgan's south campus. The conference's theme, No Longer Forgotten: African Americans in the Korean War, 1950-1953, will focus on the unique role and contributions of soldiers of color who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea. Scholars, veterans, researchers, and special guests will pay tribute to these heroes through panel discussions, tours of historic sites, exhibits at Morgan's James E. Lewis Museum of Art, historic dramatization and a special Department of Defense awards ceremony.

"History has largely overlooked African American contributions in the Korean War, and the service of African American women has been particularly under-recognized," said Dr. Charles Johnson, associate professor of history at Morgan State and chair of the conference. "We are honored to be hosting a conference that will shed new light on the dedication and service of so many forgotten soldiers."

During the three years of the Korean War, nearly 37,000 Americans lost their lives, and another 100,000 were wounded. African American casualties were especially heavy, totaling more than 5,000. Soldiers faced harsh weather, tough terrain and a shortage of resources. In addition to these setbacks, African American soldiers also found racism an integral part of their military experiences. Despite these hardships, African Americans were awarded numerous medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. Two African Americans were awarded Medals of Honor for gallantry and courage.

In addition to the many historical highlights of the conference, the Morgan Fine Arts Department's Theatre Arts Program will enact Charles Fuller's A Soldier's Play, directed by Dr. Corlis A. Hayes, in a special performance at 8 p.m. on April 16 in the Turpin-Lamb Theater.

The conference is being sponsored by Morgan's Department of History and Geography, with the assistance of the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH), the Department of Defense 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee, and veteran's organizations.

For more information, visit the web site, African Americans in the Korean War Conference.

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a coeducational institution offering more than 60 academic programs leading to bachelor's degrees as well as programs at the master's and doctoral levels. As Maryland's public urban university, Morgan serves a multi-ethnic and multi-racial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information on Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.