"Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of African-Americans in the U.S. Military" will be presented Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex in Fayetteville.

From the first shots of the American Revolution to the bloody battles of the Civil War and beyond, African-Americans have been there every step of the way, fighting to preserve the very freedoms they were so often denied in everyday life.

Charles Anderson Jr., of Central Texas College's Fort Bragg campus, will present a lively program, chronicling the early years of African-Americans in the U.S. armed forces.

Anderson, himself both a former Army enlisted man and officer, offers a glimpse at not only the role of blacks in times of war, but the conflicts often confronted by African-American soldiers as they fought for equality at home.

The free program will include an informative slide show, as well as a question-and-answer session following the presentation.

For more information, contact Chris Woodson at (910) 486-1330.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville.

The historical complex is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.