EAAM’s Colour of Humanity Gala to reflect on Black leadership, service in America’s 250th Year

On July 4, 2026, America celebrated 250 years since its founding. The Evansville African American Museum (EAAM) is using the milestone to highlight a complicated but important part of the American story: generations of Black Americans who served their country while fighting for it fulfill its promises of freedom, citizenship and equality.

At the museum, that history is on display through “250th Anniversary of America: Black Service & Civil Rights,” an exhibit examining Black military service, desegregation, civil rights and the experiences of local service members; including Black veterans who returned home after serving abroad only to continue facing discrimination in the United States.

Some of those stories come with familiar names and faces, including Watez Phelps Sr. and Robert Chester. Others introduce visitors to service members whose stories may be less familiar, such as Arthur White.

Artifacts help preserve those histories, including the honorable discharge certificate of Kirk Marlo Rogersand a Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber that belonged to a Black officer whose family resided in Evansville on Cherry St. and chose to remain anonymous.

Together, the names, photographs and artifacts preserve a record of Black men and women whose service and sacrifice are part of the nation’s history — and part of the history the museum is asking the community to remember at this year’s gala.

The exhibit also asks visitors to consider how that history continues today. Research cited from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace examines the underrepresentation of Black officers at senior levels. Black Americans make up 9% of active-duty military officers but 6.5% of generals, with even fewer reaching the three- and four-star ranks where some of the military’s highest-level decisions are made. 

America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate independence, but also to recognize Black Americans who defended the country-even during periods when they were denied many of the rights and opportunities they were serving to protect. Beyond the exhibit, the EAAM Colour of Humanity gala will center civil leadership and recognize those whose contributions helped shape Evansville and the nation. 

“As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, it’s important to recognize the Black Americans whose service, leadership, and perseverance have helped shape this country,” said Kori Miller, executive director of EAAM in an announcement. 

“Our 250th Anniversary exhibit, currently on display at the museum, helps tell those stories, and the Colour of Humanity Gala gives us an opportunity to celebrate that legacy.”

Gala details

The Annual Colour of Humanity Gala on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Bally’s Riverfront Event Center. Guest arrival and photography will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the gala program at 6 p.m.

Individual tickets are $150 and include a one-year membership to the Evansville African American Museum. The evening will include dinner, recognition, fellowship and a live performance by Teacha’s Band of Chicago, along with live and silent auctions and opportunities to support the museum.

For information about tickets, sponsorships or program book advertising, contact Alli Willingham, director of administration and development, at 812-423-5188 or admin@evvaam.org, or visit the Evansville African American Museum’s website.