Based on the personal expereinces of the author, Ivan J. Houston, and the official military journal he maintained for his battalion, this is the riveting story of the first Black combat infanty unit in WWII that fought in Italy for the segregated U.S. Army (and the subject of Spike Lee's film, "Miracle at St. Anna"). In the book, Houston also reveals the hypocrisy of racism that African Americans faced infighting to free other nations, while their own country still treated them like second class citizens. Houston — who became a decorated veteran and revered business icon — is also the great-great grandson of Georgia slaves, Jane and James Houston.

Although not required to attend, as a courtesy please RSVP steven.henderson@hts.gatech.edu for seating and reception purposes.