(continued) African Americans represented a small percentage of Badgers who served during the Civil War. However, they did make up a large percentage in at least five regiments of the United States Colored Infantry and served in other companies as well.
Before and after the war, their service was accepted and respected. Yet, African American veterans still faced rejection and discrimination based on their race. Make Way for Liberty shows how many fought for Wisconsin and where they lived before and after the war. Moreover, it will show the impact these African Americans had on these communities.
About the Author:
Jeff Kannel has been a volunteer and tour guide at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin since 2012. He speaks around the state about the role that Wisconsin’s African Americans played in the Civil War.
Click here to see a Wisconsin Veterans Museum virtual program, with Author Jeff Kannel, along with Curator of History, Kevin Hampton, Director Chris Kolakowski, and Museum Foundation Board Member Nathaniel T. Millsap Jr., USN Ret:
Curator Conversations: Make Way for Liberty