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Students in U.S. History at Northshore Charter School in Bogalusa participated in a webinar from the World War II Museum in New Orleans on Friday, Feb. 28.

The webinar combined Black History Month with studies of the United States’ participation in World War II. The webinar was entitled “Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II”

During this 60-minute program, student reporters, Maceo Carney and Mizani Ball, examined artifacts from The National WWII Museum’s signature special exhibit. These reporters traveled to California to learn about injustices in a segregated military at Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, the site of the deadliest munitions disaster during the war, and explore Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park to understand transitions and tensions in American defense factories.

During the program the students heard from U.S. Park rangers Kelli English and Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest active Park Ranger.

A panel of World War II experts, including a Tuskegee Airman, George Hardy, was on hand and answered student questions during the webinar. Kate Fitzgerald and Waymond Brothers of the World War II museum hosted the event and responded to questions from NCS students Jaleiha Williams, Ronie Taylor, Rashan Taylor and Tristan Brumfield. Students were enthralled to hear stories about African-American women who became an important part of the war effort.

The webinar is also available on YouTube at the WW II museum’s page.