Two black high school students approached a black Civil War reenactor, and asked why he was wearing gray. "Were there really black soldiers serving for the Confederacy?" they asked.

This question began a serious study of the subject by this month's guest speaker, Vernon Padgett. Mr. Padgett is an educator at Rio Hondo College, where he teaches research methods, statistics and other psychology classes. He also teaches in the Political Science/Criminal Justice Dept. at Cal State Fullerton. Vern received his Ph.D. in social psychology and statistics in 1985 from Ohio State University.

Mr. Padgett will bring his statistical expertise and research to bear on answering some important questions: Were there black Confederates? How many were they? How does the current media presentation mesh with historical accounts? Did blacks serve as servants and laborers only, or as fighting Southern soldiers as well? Were blacks forced to fight, or did they fight of their own free will? Why do we disbelieve in black Confederates in spite of a variety of historical evidence?

Vern is also a Confederate reenactor with the Richmond Howitzers at Fort Tejon, as well as an active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Please join us as we delve into this little known topic, and try to glean some truth from the historical record. Having heard Vern present this topic, I know you will enjoy his well researched presentation.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

 

Return to Past Presentations                     Return to Home Page