In the shadow of the Washington Monument, the National African American Museum of History & Culture is a stunning addition to the National Mall in Washington, DC. Thanks to an invitation from director Lonnie Bunch, Linda was thrilled to speak there on Nov. 9. Even better, the journalist and author Wil Haygood ("The Butler," "Showdown") moderated a program delving into the issues in FORGOTTEN: Jim Crow America, segregation, the systematic mistreatment of African Americans before and after WW2. Many thanks to Will and everyone who turned out the day after a very long and grueling election night!
Forgotten at Columbia U Paris campus
Paris has always been a haven for Americans, including Americans of color. This week in Paris we are celebrating African-American history with a series of talks and tributes. The centerpiece is extraordinary exhibition, The Color Line, which tells the story of black America and segregation through art. It is a stunning collection of works, many that I was seeing for the first time. Check it out before it closes Jan. 5, 2017.
I was happy to be invited to speak about my book FORGOTTEN at Reid Hall at Columbia University's campus in Montparnasse. Thanks to Brian Spence at Abbey Books in the 5th arrondissement for selling books to all who came.
Remembering the black GIs in Wales
The months the men of FORGOTTEN spent training in the villages of Wales before D-Day left a lasting impression. For the black GIs of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, it was the first time in their lives they were welcomed as men, worthy of respect, just like the white Americans soldiers. To the Welsh, it was a brush with foreigners that they would never forget. For most of them, it was the first time they had men people of color. The black GIs -- the "tan Yanks" as they were affectionately called -- were the talk of the towns ringing Pontypool, Wales.
At an event on Sept. 24 to commemorate the black soldiers, historians, descendants of the soldiers, local residents and descendants of the families who welcomed the African Americans gathered at Trinity Methodist Church in Abersychan. Some of the men of FORGOTTEN like Wilson Monk were billeted there in early 1944. I was honored to be a part of the ceremony organized by the BBC to remember the black soldiers. Footage will be used in the upcoming series Black in Britain, set to air in November. The plaque affixed to the church wall behind me and historian Neil Sinclair honors the black soldiers. I'm looking forward to returning to the area on December 10 for a launch at the Pontypool Museum. See my events.
72 years after D-Day, African-Americans are still fighting for the Medal of Honor
Among the thousands of soldiers who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, there were two young men whose stories were remarkably similar. They both raced along the shooting gallery at the water's edge pulling the wounded to safety. One was injured during the landing. The other was not. One received the Medal of Honor. The other did not. Read about their stories HERE in The Daily Beast.
A Novel Idea: Linda's interview on KRCB-FM
Tune in June 5 to hear Suzanne Lang's interview with Linda on her show A Novel Idea on the Bay Area's KRCB-FM radio. The interviewed airs at 4pm Pacific time on FM 90.9 and 91.1. Or hear it June 12 on Lit Radio on KOWS, FM 107.3, at 7pm Pacific Time.
Click HERE to download the podcast to hear the interview anytime.
FORGOTTEN at Adrian Leeds' Apres-Midi
Linda was delighted to be back home in Paris, where she spoke at International House Hunters star Adrian Leeds' monthly salon, Après-Midi. Adrian said it was a record turnout!
KPIX-TV San Francisco: FORGOTTEN on Bay Sunday
Thanks to KPIX-TV in San Fransciso and anchor Frank Mallicoat for inviting Linda on Bay Sunday to talk about FORGOTTEN. Frank spent many years on TV in New England, Linda's home turf. There was much talk off-camera about Canobie Lake Park!
National D-Day Memorial with William Dabney
Linda was thrilled to speak about FORGOTTEN tonight at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. She was joined by William Dabney, who lives in nearby Roanoke. Dabney, who turns 92 on June 25, joined the Army when he was 17 years old. Sgt. Dabney landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day so amped up he didn't feel a shrapnel wound. In June 2009, the French government honored him with the Legion of Honor, that country's highest honor.