The Negro Soldier

Watching "The Negro Soldier" against the backdrop of World War II was a profound experience for me. The film, I thought, tried to bridge the gap between the racial divides that have troubled this nation for many long years. It was nice that it showed the valor, fortitude, dedication, and sacrifices of black soldiers. It was good to see that we too are an integral part of this great nation. Yet, as I sat there, surrounded by my fellow soldiers, I couldnt help but reflect on the big and stark contrast between the ideas and ideals presented in the film and the reality of our lives back home.

Growing up during the Great Depression, I witnessed the economic hardships that affected the Black community. Jobs were scarce, and when they were available, we were often the last to be hired and the first to be fired. Racial tensions were always simmering just beneath the surface of things. Jim Crow was always there. What happened next? Race riots, more prejudice, more of the same.

I had relatives who were members...

They always talked about the fight equality and civil rights. The NAACP, they said, wanted to change the system. The UNIA was more for the cause of Black Nationalism. They wanted black people to have their own nation.

I...

…is why I say that Black Nationalism offers a vision of a future where we can be masters of our own destiny. A future where we can build a nation that is the way we want it to be.

"The Negro Soldier" tells of the heroics of the black soldierbut it leaves a lot of the real story out. Given my experiences and the lessons I've learned, I believe that Black Nationalism is what me and my people should strive to achieve. That is what our story is leading us to. That is where we need to go. It is a vision of a future where we can be free out from under the…