Live Digital Event | June 6, 2026 | 3:00 p.m EST – 2:00 p.m CST – 1:00 p.m MST – 12:00 p.m PST
The Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group (GKCBHSG) is pleased to partner with our long-standing Institutional member, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, to present “WWI Changed Us—Victory in Vocation: Western University in WWI.” The program will be presented virtually on June 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
In celebration of the centennial of Black History Month, our featured speaker, Dr. Bernard Harris, will explore Western University’s origins in Quindaro, Kansas, and the contributions of its vocational training to the U.S. Army during WWI.
The presenter, Dr. Bernard Harris, is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran, published author, and educational Historian. He earned his PhD at Kansas State University and continues to pursue his research interest in adult education and history. His lecture, for the June 6th webinar, is based on his article published by the Kansas Historical Society about African Americans, titled “A Contribution to Victory: Western University’s Vocational Training Program for World War I.”
Established in 1865 as the Quindaro Freedman’s School, Western University was the earliest school for African Americans west of the Mississippi and the only HBCU to operate in Kansas. The institution was renowned for its diverse curriculum, including:
– Collegiate, preparatory, and teacher training (Normal) departments.
– Theological studies.
– An industrial and trades department modeled after the Tuskegee Institute.
– A nationally recognized music department that produced graduates such as Eva Jessye, Nora Douglas Holt, and Etta Moten Barnett.
During World War I, Western University’s vocational training programs played a direct role in supporting the U.S. Army. The university trained men in skills essential for wartime production and service, helping to meet the demands of the military and the home front.
Additionally, a teacher professional development webinar immediately follows the program. You may register for the webinar at this link:
https://theworldwar.org/
Please note that this is not an in-person event and is presented online only.
Please join us!
For more information contact [email protected]