military band w/their instruments and Reese standing at the side, on the deck of a ship

James Reese Europe: America’s Jazz Ambassador

First Lieutenant James R. Europe and the 369th Infantry Regiment Band playing for patients in the American Red Cross Hospital No. 9, Paris, France, September 4, 1918. (NAID: 55200536 Local Identifier: 111-SC-20417) The musical career of American jazz bandleader, composer, and arranger James Reese Europe (1881-1919) was as influential and unique as it was tragically … Continue reading James Reese Europe: America’s Jazz Ambassador

Remembering Those Who Served: A Tribute to Veterans

"Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day." ~ Congressman Charles B. Rangel In honor of Veterans Day, the Rediscovering Black History blog would like to commend those African Americans who served in the Armed Forces. The National Archives holds … Continue reading Remembering Those Who Served: A Tribute to Veterans

ROTW: “Teamwork”: African-American Soldiers during World War II

Today’s record was submitted by Kevin L. Bradley, Archives Technician in the Motion Picture, Sound, and Video Division at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland   Why We Fight is a series of short films commissioned by the US government during World War II to convince Americans to fight and to support the war … Continue reading ROTW: “Teamwork”: African-American Soldiers during World War II