An exhibition of photographs, stories and art celebrating the lives of the estimated 8,000 African American GIs stationed in Dorset in 1944 before the left for the D-Day landings in France during the Second World War.
Featuring local descendants and first-hand witness accounts of African American soldiers posted to Weymouth, Poole and other towns and villages across Dorset.
‘… on the day they were moving out, we were called to the playground, and outside in the road were a number of soldiers bearing gifts for us all… We went home that day loaded with presents… some of us were in tears; to think, we would never see them again. They were saying, ‘we’ve got to move on.’ But we never did see them again.’
Joyce Marsh was 8 years old when the African American GIs came to Cerne Abbas in Dorset.
Opening Times: Tue – Sat, 10am – 8pm
Photo title: African American GIs of the US Army Transportation Corps on Poole Quay in 1944
Make sure to visit Sharon James’ The Past is Present exhibition in the Main Gallery as part of Black History Month at Lighthouse Poole.
DEED is a global education and learning centre serving Dorset, Hampshire and South Wiltshire. DEED supports education and innovation by encouraging and inspiring teachers, pupils and community members to develop their understanding of global issues and cultural diversity.
