When people think of African American women during the Civil War, images of women roaming slave quarters may come to mind. But FREED — Female Re-enactors of Distinction — is working to change that mind-set.

The Washington-based group, an auxiliary organization of the African-American Civil War Museum, focuses on informing others about the important roles black women played during the war. It was founded about six years ago and now has about 20 members.

"We want to educate people that there were many African American women who made contributions to the African American community and assisted in many ways the U.S. Colored Troops," says FREED member Judy C. Williams, an educational audiologist for D.C. Public Schools.

"As history shows, African American women have always stepped up when there was a need," Williams says. "We've always been like the backbone, the support to our men. During the Civil War and even during slavery, we were always there."

The group has visited schools, churches and family reunions, and has marched in the Gettysburg Remember Day parade. Each member choose a different woman in history to portray. Williams, who has been singing since she was a child, portrays Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, the first internationally known African American singer.

"It's been very rewarding," she says. "I feel like I'm giving her a voice and bringing her spirit back to life."