The African American Military Experience: From Revolution to Civil Rights

🔥 Lottery: Aug 27–Sept 2 • Full registration: Aug 28
Dates: October 7 - November 11, 2025
Meets: Tu from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
 Location: Osher Online
Cost:  $75.00

There are still openings remaining at this time.

Date Day Time
10/07/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM
10/14/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM
10/21/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM
10/28/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM
11/04/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM
11/11/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM

OR

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2025-2026 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

This program will not be recorded.

African Americans have served in every U.S. military conflict, fighting for their country and their rights. Their contributions have shaped American history, from Black patriots in the Revolutionary War to the 180,000 African Americans who fought for the Union in the Civil War. After the war, Black soldiers gained congressional approval to enlist in the peacetime Army, forming the "Buffalo Soldiers."

This course traces their service from the War of 1812 to World War II, highlighting their valor in conflicts abroad and their struggle against segregation and discrimination at home. It is the story of their resilience, sacrifice and fight for equality in a nation that often failed to recognize their service.

About the Osher Online Program

Osher Online programs are provided to OLLI at MSU from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Experience shared online presentations with OLLI members from coast to coast! As part of the Osher Online program, OLLI at MSU members will enjoy national speakers and interact with fellow OLLI members nationwide.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Meet the Instructor

Fee:  $75.00

Osher Online

This is a real-time (live) online class that meets at the specified day(s)/time(s) listed.

John Langellier

John Langellier has spent decades researching African Americans in the U.S. military, beginning in the 1960s. His work includes articles and books such as More Work Than Glory: Buffalo Soldiers in the United States Army, 1866-1916, and Buffalo Soldiers in Arizona, as well as an extensive National Park Service study on Buffalo Soldiers from the Eastern Seaboard to Hawaii. He has consulted and produced documentaries on African Americans in the armed forces for A&E and PBS, curated museum exhibits, developed curricula and delivered programs across the U.S. and Europe.
Date Day Time Location
10/07/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM Osher Online
10/14/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM Osher Online
10/21/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM Osher Online
10/28/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM Osher Online
11/04/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM Osher Online
11/11/2025Tuesday5 PM to 6:30 PM Osher Online