The Athenaeum Press of Coastal Carolina University presents "A War on Two Fronts: Fighting for Victory at Home and Abroad," a book that focuses on the overlooked, underappreciated and uncelebrated black veterans of World War II. A celebration for the launch of the book will be held Friday, Feb. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Horry County Museum where guests can also experience the multimedia exhibit for "A War on Two Fronts." This event is free and open to the public.

The book complements the Horry County Museum exhibit of the same name. It captures the narrative that is presented in the exhibit, adding a new level to the immersive experience.

"A War on Two Fronts" features largely unheard testimonials, including those of several native South Carolinians, and details the African American soldiers' reactions to their particular hardships that laid the foundations for the coming civil rights movement. During World War II, more than 1 million African Americans served in the U.S. armed forces. These soldiers dealt with enemy forces both at home and abroad and were faced with the injustice inherent in fighting for a nation that upheld institutionalized segregation.

CCU students from the history, photography and design disciplines who researched, designed, wrote and edited the book will talk during the launch event about their experiences working on this innovative production.

This project is the latest collaborative effort from The Athenaeum Press of Coastal Carolina University, a university publishing lab now in its fourth year. The exhibit and book are based on oral histories and archives collected by Maggi Morehouse, the Burroughs Distinguished Professor of Southern History and Culture at CCU. "A War on Two Fronts" began as a museum exhibit sponsored by the Humanities Council, and future plans include a traveling exhibit. The project brings 70-year-old histories to new audiences and sheds light on the legacy of these men who fought for their country while going unrecognized by the very men they were fighting alongside.

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