In an engaging lecture, Dianne Cross will share the remarkable story of her great-great-grandfather Sgt. Isaac Hall who earned his freedom from slavery fighting in the Union Army during the Civil War. Starting with only his name, a portrait, and oral family history, Dianne spent years researching his background to weave a compelling story of his life as one of more than 200,000 black soldiers who fought for freedom during the Civil War while facing discrimination and low pay in segregated units.

After earning a bachelor's degree in history from Rutgers University, Dianne worked for 31 years for Lockheed Martin (now L-3 Communication System). She is retired and lives with her husband in Laurel, Md.

The City of Takoma Park's Takoma Park Arts cultural series series organized this event which celebrates Black History Month. For news about our upcoming events, please sign up for our weekly e-newsletter at https://takomaparkmd.gov/initiatives/arts-and-humanities/arts-newsletter-sign-up/