Bay Area
Black Military Veterans: Our Past and Our Future
The African Americans in the Military During WWII Exhibit is a pictorial history of the sacrifices and the contributions that African American men and women have made to our nation.
![(Left) Bertram Clark, U.S. Navy Vietnam-era veteran, and curator of the African Americans in the Military During WWII Exhibit, examines a display at the San Leandro Main Library. / Photo credit: Conway Jones](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/black-military-veterans-featured-web.jpg)
By Conway Jones
Bertram Clark began collecting photographs, posters and memorabilia of African Americans in the military in the 1980s. His dream was to someday open a Museum/Culture Center.
The African Americans in the Military During WWII Exhibit is a pictorial history of the sacrifices and the contributions that African American men and women have made to our nation.
The exhibit honors these brave and honorable patriots who fought for the freedom of others on foreign soil while they were not afforded their full rights as citizens in their own country.
The exhibit’s more than 100 photographs, posters and articles are from long-time Oakland residents and Vietnam-era veterans.
Clark’s exhibit was on display at the San Leandro Library as a part of the Veterans’ Day celebrations.
“The African Americans in the Military During WWII Exhibit reveals American history that was, for whatever reason, hidden from most of us,” said David Moragne, a U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam-era veteran.
Clark is happy and honored to share his collection with anyone and everyone who wants to learn about the history, the culture and the contributions that people of African descent have made to America and to the world.
“My goal is to secure this African Americans in the Military During WWII Exhibit in a museum or a university or a private collection, thereby ensuring its place in history for the benefit of future generations,” said Bertram, a U.S. Navy, Vietnam-era veteran.
Activism
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.
![Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/barbara-lee-farewell-featured-web.jpg)
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.
Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.
Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.
Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.
The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.
Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.
Activism
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