Join the Town of Manchester’s Neighborhoods & Families Division for a free Black History Month Author Talk: Robert Harris on Wednesday, February 2 from 5:30-6:30 PM at the Culture Lab at Mahoney Center, 110 Cedar Street.

Harris, a six-year veteran of the United States Army and a retired correctional officer, will give a free presentation on his book Historical Moments: Military Contributions of African Americans, followed by a public Q&A. Signed books will be available for purchase.

“I believe that [Historical Moments] will help fill the gap in our nation’s history books on the military contributions of African American[s]. Black History is American History,” Harris said in his bio.

American history often sanitizes itself and overlooks the contributions of people of color, Harris wrote, something that demands to be rectified, especially in the modern cultural climate.

“Americans of every race should remember and take pride in the courage of Crispus Attucks at the Boston Massacre, the bravery of Peter Salem at the Battle of Bunker Hill…and the heroic deed of Dorie Miller aboard the USS West Virginia,” Harris wrote. “When we remember these acts of courage, devotion to duty, and paying the ultimate sacrifice, we realize that the African Americans’ military contributions go far beyond digging ditches and serving mail aboard ships.”

Questions about this event? Contact Culture Lab Coordinator James Costa.