The Story of the United States Colored Troops at RPL

Anthony Gibbs of the Ohio History Connection will present “Freedom, Citizenship, and Equality: The Story of the United States Colored Troops” on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m., in Rodman Main Auditorium. The story of 200,000 black soldiers who fought for the Union during the Civil War is a unique chapter in the American conflict. These men were freedom fighters who fought for emancipation and full citizenship rights. Gibbs discusses events significant to these men that led up to the Civil War, and what made these men different from the other thousands who fought and died in the War Between the States.

 Gibbs has traveled throughout the state of Ohio as a teaching artist and living history performer, portraying key figures in African American History. For over 12 years Gibbs has presented historical workshops and performances on the United States Colored Troops and their participation in the Civil War. He is currently employed by the Ohio History Connection as the Manager of Local History Services and is a graduate of The Ohio State University. Gibbs is also the founder and Creative Director of Black Historic Impressions, an organization dedicated to the remembrance, appreciation, and exhibition of African American contributions throughout history. The presentation is sponsored by the Friends of Rodman Library and is free and open to the public. No registration is needed. For more information, call 330-821-2665, ext. 107.