Iraq veteran Shoshanna Johnson, the first black female prisoner of war, will be the guest speaker at the Black History Month Kickoff Brunch set for Saturday, Jan. 29, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the University of New Mexico in the Student Union Bldg. ballroom.
The event is sponsored by the UNM African American Studies Department. Tickets are $25. Call Letha Allen for reservations at 277-5644 by Jan. 26.
On March 31, 2003, during the United States military operation Iraqi Freedom, Johnson was in a convoy ambushed in the city of an-Nasiriyah. She received a bullet wound causing injuries to both legs. She and five other members of the 507 th Maintenance Company were captured and taken prisoners of war.
The ambush and its aftermath made world headlines. On April 16, the U.S. Marines rescued Johnson's company. Specialist Johnson retired from the Army on temporary disability honorable discharge on Dec. 12, 2003, with the distinct recognition of being the first female POW of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first black female POW in U.S. war history.
UNM will also honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Friday, Jan. 21 from noon to 1 p.m. in the UNM Alumni Chapel. A reception will follow at the African American Studies Department, Mesa Vista Hall, 4 th floor.
For more information, call Letha Allen, 277-5644.
Contact: Laurie Mellas Ramirez, (505) 277-5915
Posted by scarr at January 11, 2005 04:43 PM