André Rakoto, associate researcher at the LARCA and expert in comparative history of African and African-American troops in France and in the USA has been involved in the registering of a historical program for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (Smithsonian).
It mostly consisted in describing and explaining how African-American troops were welcomed in France in 1917. This program will be featured during the presentations available for the museum visitors.
‘Time and again, the French people have expressed their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of African American troops in World War I and World War II. This program explores the varied ways in which the French have honored African American troops and the impact of this relationship on the French cultural landscape. Krewasky Salter will moderate the program with presentations from Andre Rakoto, John Morrow, and Laurence Cossu-Beaumont’
André Rakoto is Director at the Veterans and War Victims Office, Paris Bureau. He defended a PhD thesis entitled Les Etats-Unis, une Démocratie en Armes : Construction du fait militaire, mémoire et histoire publique, stratégie internationale.
