African American women veterans share their experiences in service

BERLIN, Md. – The Germantown School hosted an event on African American Women’s contributions to the military. Local female veterans spoke about their experiences while in service.

In June 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Service Integration Act, which allowed women to join the armed forces. Local veteran Valerie Lee tells WMDT that times have since changed.

“Let’s look at our Vice President, Kamala Harris. Women have evolved a lot when you talk about women in the military. I believe we are heard more now.”

No group faced harder resistance than African American Women. Although, there has been a change in women’s rights in the military. Lee believes there is room to grow.

“We can move forward but it never stops, we must continue to press. Continue to be heard and continue to teach. Especially, to our younger generation coming up.”

Former Salisbury Professor, Dr. Clara Small moderated the event. Small said African Americans are so important to the United States.

“We must continue to do research; we must continue to preserve history, and we must continue to share it with others. Because African American History is American history.”

The Germantown School will continue to host veterans this month. To learn more, click here.