#Exhibit Honoring America's Servicewomen of Color
Jacksonville Public Library is proud to host The Color of Freedom, presented by the Military Women’s Memorial and AARP, from September 7 to October 23, 2024, on the fourth floor of the Main Library. This powerful exhibit honors the diversity and contributions of America’s servicewomen.
The Color of Freedom exhibit is a tribute to the resilience, courage, and dedication of servicewomen of color. It features the stories of remarkable women who have served in various capacities across different branches of the military. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and triumphs these women have faced.
About AARP Jacksonville
AARP Jacksonville recently celebrated and honored the sacrifices of America's servicewomen in an event called "A Tribute to America's Servicewomen." This day-long event brought both active duty and veterans together in the same room for presentations and activities all about how they can live the happiest, safest, and healthiest life possible.
"Servicewomen are often an overlooked part of our military," explains Jill Auld, Associate State Director of Outreach and Engagement at AARP Jacksonville. "They are the backbone of this country, and they have made so many sacrifices. I always want to make sure that we remember that."
Note: AARP offers free resources for veterans. You don't need to be an AARP member to use them.
From the official exhibit website:
While all women in the United States Armed Forces share a history of discrimination based on gender, women of color have faced barriers of gender, race and traditional cultural values in their pursuit of opportunity for service in the armed forces. Through persistent efforts in demanding inclusion for their right to serve, women of color have seen their roles across society and all sectors tremendously expanded, including their presence in today’s military.
“Instead of sitting around talking about it, they got off their tail bone and made things happen.“ – Michele Jones, retired Command Sgt. Maj.
Born during a time when our country seeks healing amid persistent calls to dismantle systemic racism, this exhibit seeks to highlight the diversity of women of color in the nation’s defense. Across the decades and for all the challenges, women of color still found meaning and value in serving in uniform despite the military’s shortcomings and history of systemic discrimination on multiple fronts—from race, gender, ethnicity and national origin, to sexual orientation and gender identity.
#History Chat: Women in Service
Learn about the history of women in service with presenter Deloris Quaranta, USAF (Retired) on Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Deloris Quaranta served in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1998. She has served her Nation and the State of Florida honorably. She is a sought after expert on the status of women veterans.
She has traveled to the state capital as well as Washington DC to advocate on behalf of women veterans. Starting out, there was very little emphasis on women veterans. Her ability to deliver with passion and commitment has reached the ears of elected officials, even from other states.
Pre-registration is recommended. You will need a Jacksonville Public Library card if you want to register in advance. If you don't have a card but you are a Duval County resident, you can apply online in as little as two minutes.
More about our speaker:
As part of her advocacy strategy to bring awareness, Deloris Quaranta led the collaboration of several community partners and hosted a weeklong celebration recognizing the accomplishments of women veterans on the First Coast. She was able to have the city of Jacksonville proclaim the 3rd week in March of each year, “Women Veterans Recognition Week” now going into its 7th year of celebration. The celebration culminated at a gala recognizing and honoring WWII and Korean War Female Veterans (Trailblazers) who had never been honored for their work and who assumed to be forgotten.
She has served on numerous panels locally and nationally to speak concerning women veterans. She provides updates on national initiatives supporting veterans and serves a key resource for women vets in the community.
#More Exhibit Photos
#Why You Should Visit
Educational Experience:
Learn about the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in the military. The exhibit provides a comprehensive look at their roles and the barriers they have overcome.
Inspiration:
The stories of these servicewomen are not just about their military achievements but also about their personal journeys of perseverance and strength.
Community Engagement:
This exhibit is an excellent opportunity for the Jacksonville community to come together and honor the diverse history of our nation’s defenders.
Interactive Displays:
Engage with interactive elements that bring the stories of these servicewomen to life, making the experience both educational and immersive.
Jacksonville Public Library - Main is conveniently located at 303 N. Laura St. in downtown Jacksonville, directly across from James Weldon Johnson Park. The library is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse history of America’s servicewomen.
