Zelma Wyche was a black Army veteran of World War II. He joined the military in 1943. Four years later, back at home, he had to fight for the right to vote. That war lasted over 15 years. Like many … Continue reading →
There are a number of reasons why Milliken’s Bend should be remembered, but I’ll concentrate on what I believe to be the three most significant historical reasons. 1) Along with Port Hudson and Fort Wagner, Milliken’s Bend was a significant … Continue reading →
I’m often asked, why has Milliken’s Bend been so forgotten? There are a number of factors: Even at the time the fight at Milliken’s Bend occurred, June 7, 1863, it was quickly overshadowed by other larger and momentous events. Most … Continue reading →
When I spoke at the Southern Festival of Books in Oct. 2013, a member of the audience asked if there were any African American troops fighting at Milliken’s Bend on the Confederate side. I replied that there were not. He … Continue reading →
It is a common misconception that there were Buffalo Soldiers during the Civil War. To be sure, around 300,000 black men served as soldiers in the Union army, but they were not known as Buffalo Soldiers. This distinctive name would … Continue reading →