“Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pockets, and there is no power on earth which can deny that he has earned the right of citizenship in the United States.”
–- Frederick Douglass

In lieu of an in-person MLK Day of Service project due to ongoing concerns around COVID-19, the Washington Bar Association is pleased to present an amazing opportunity to participate in a virtual service project through the National Archives Citizen Archivist Program.

BACKGROUND

Despite many hardships, Black volunteer soldiers served and distinguished themselves during the Civil War as part of the Union Army. By the end of the Civil War, roughly 179,000 Black men (approximately 10% of the Union Army) served as soldiers. Black women, who could not formally join the Army, nonetheless served as nurses, spies, and scouts, the most famous being Harriet Tubman.

The National Archives has curated a collection of the military records of Black soldiers who volunteered to serve during the Civil War. These handwritten records require transcription to make them more accessible and searchable.

WHO:

Members and friends of the WBA seeking a virtual way to participate in the MLK Day of Service.

WHAT:

Help the National Archives transcribe the military service records of Union volunteer soldiers who served during the Civil War, making them more accessible and searchable.

WHEN:

MLK Day of Service – Monday, January 17, 2022 – All Day

WHERE:

Online at: https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/registerandgetstarted

WHY:

Transcribing these handwritten records helps us increase their accessibility by making them easier to read, search for, and use the information they contain. By transcribing these documents, we help unlock valuable history. Even if you can’t complete the entire transcription of a document, every word you transcribe helps improve search results. Whether you can transcribe one full record, only part of a record, or multiple records—every contribution matters.

HOW:

Register as a Citizen Archivist at the link provided above, and familiarize yourself with the transcription process using the resources available on the National Archives website (a “how to” booklet is available online and at the link below). Next, click here to access the “United States Colored Troops” – American Civil War mission. Select an available record, click “View/Add Contributions” then click “Transcribe”.

The WBA is pleased to join the NBA in partnering with the King Family and more than 100 civic organizations, to insist that the U.S. Senate pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act with all deliberate speed by participating in a Peace Walk for Voting Rights on the 2022 MLK Holiday, Monday, January 17, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in Washington, DC.

Given the ongoing and recently heightened concerns about COVID-19, the WBA regrets not having an opportunity to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in our traditional fashion. We take seriously the health and safety of our members, friends, and guests, and will always take the necessary precautions to safeguard everyone in attendance at WBA events.

Despite this disappointing turn of events, the WBA fully supports and encourages members and friends to participate in the District of Columbia’s official MLK virtual events, listed below. Donations on behalf of the WBA have been made in support of the District’s programming.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of the WBA.